Call the experts public warned moving stranded seal pups can do more harm than good

Animal conservation experts have urged the public to stay away from seal pups even if they appear in distress.

A voluntary animal rescue organisation was called to the Angus coast following concerns a seal pup had been put back into the sea at the weekend.

However, the members of British Divers Marine Life Rescue believe the pup returned to Carnoustie beach on Monday for a “bit of a rest”.

Seal pups are very poor swimmers as they have not grown waterproof coats, and are weaned throughout the process of moulting their first, white layer.

At about three weeks old they are left to find food for themselves and lose a huge amount of weight very quickly until they master swimming, finding and catching food.

Fears were raised that the seal was disturbed during this vital period, as footprints were found near its last known location.

Stewart Burns of Shanwell Marine Animal Rescue, based in Broughty Ferry, asked the public to keep noise and interaction with “stranded” animals to a minimum.

He said: “Call BDMLR on 01825 765546 or out of hours on 07787 433412. Please do not put any marine animal back in the water.”

For more on this story, see Tuesday’s Courier.