Norfolk seals die after human disturbance
The public are being urged to keep their distance from seals at Winterton beach in Norfolk, after three seal pups died in three days due to human disturbance and a dog attack.
One pup [pictured] was said by the Friends of Horsey Seals, who warden the site, to have been surrounded by people in the dunes. The mother seal couldn’t get back it to, so abandoned it, and it later died.
A second pup drowned after parents allowed two young children to chase an unweaned pup into the sea.
The third pup died two days earlier after being attacked by a dog.
So far a record 2093 seal pups have been born at Horsey and Winterton and there is still another six weeks left of the season.
A spokesperson for Friends of Horsey Seals said: "At Winterton we especially ask the public to view the seals from the high dunes, as the beach area is absolutely covered with seals and young pups. As it is a vast area, the beach cannot be roped off and we rely on public support. We ask the visitors to give the seals consideration and follow the advice and directions given by any of the voluntary wardens on duty."
17 December
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