A young harbour seal found lying motionless on Brighton beach earlier this month is now recovering after being rescued by wildlife experts, prompting fresh warnings to the public about the dangers of approaching wild seals.
The pup, later named Fern by her rescuers, was discovered on 7 August near Brighton’s West Pier. Despite the presence of children nearby, she failed to react — a sign of serious exhaustion or illness, according to the RSPCA.
“He didn’t even flinch when approached,” said Jess O’Doherty, wildlife supervisor at RSPCA Mallydams. “This kind of behaviour is very concerning in seals and signals serious exhaustion or illness.”
Medics from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) team were called to the scene and transported the animal to the RSPCA rescue centre near Hastings. Staff said Fern was severely underweight and “very downcast” on arrival, but soon responded positively to regular feeding and antibiotic treatment for a bite wound.
The RSPCA believes Fern may have become separated from her mother after being bitten by another seal or possibly attacked by a dog, given the puncture wound found on her flipper. The charity has urged beachgoers to keep their distance from seals and ensure dogs remain on leads.
“We want to remind the public that it’s crucial to keep your distance from all seals resting on the beach. Even healthy seals need space to rest undisturbed,” said Ms O’Doherty. “It’s also dangerous for people or dogs to get too close, as seals are strong and powerful animals that can give a painful and potentially infectious bite.”
The RSPCA noted that seals regularly come ashore to rest, mate, or feed their young, but well-meaning members of the public often mistake this behaviour for distress and attempt to drive them back into the water. “It’s really important not to do this,” a spokesperson stressed.
Concerns about the long-term future of harbour seals in south-east England have added urgency to the warnings. A recent study by the University of St Andrews’ Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) found harbour seal populations in the region have fallen by 29 per cent over the past decade, with no signs of recovery.
The research, based on aerial surveys during the seals’ annual August moult, suggests factors such as competition from grey seals, disease, or rising levels of biotoxins in the sea may be contributing to the decline.
Human activity may also be playing a role, making calls for responsible public behaviour around marine mammals even more pressing. “People are very fond of seals, but disturbing them can have serious consequences for their health and survival,” the RSPCA said.
As for Fern, her recovery continues at the RSPCA centre, where staff remain hopeful. “He’s now in safe hands with our expert team, and we’re doing everything we can to give him the second chance he deserves,” Ms O’Doherty added.
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