Rescuers have recorded a fresh sighting of a Scots seal which has been living with part of a dog bowl trapped around its neck for the best part of three years.
Frisbee the seal is a regular on the Ythan Estuary, near Newburgh in Aberdeenshire, having been spotted there on numerous occasions since 2015 – when nature lovers became aware of her worrying predicament.
The sea creature has the item, believed to be made of silicone and first thought to be a frisbee, stuck around her neck.
Closer inspection revealed that the debris, which has left the mammal with “horrific” scarring around her neck, is in fact the outer rim of a dog bowl.
However, the nickname Frisbee has stuck with the animal.
She was spotted on the Ythan once again yesterday morning, as these pictures from Ron Macdonald – shared by the Ythan Seal Watch (YSW) – show.
It has been spotted on her neck and, from time to time, around the top of her head.
The YSW and British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) have been ramping up their efforts to free the seal from its predicament in recent times. Several attempts have been made.
Lee Watson, a BDMLR medic and founder of the seal watch, said Frisbee risks death every time she goes to sea.
Marine entanglements are very common among seals, and frequently lead to feeding problems and death.
About 14 of the sea creatures at the Ythan colony, which is 2,000-strong, are estimated to be living ensnared in debris.
Medics face difficulties in tracking down the seals and removing entanglements – which has to be done without disturbing large seal colonies such as the one at the Ythan Estuary.
A statement from the YSW said: “Frisbee has been absent for a few months which happens regularly so we are always relieved to see her return.
“These pictures show her great shape and the extent of the scarring that carrying this entanglement for three years has caused.
“The beach that the haul-out is on is currently closed to protect the Little tern whilst it breeds.
“That is a big concern at the moment but please report any entangled Seal you see when at the Ythan to the BDMLR (info below) or if you see any in pictures when you get home please feel free to send them to us.
“We work with the BDMLR to track and monitor the entangled Seals at the Ythan and we all work closely with the reserve in regards to what rescues are possible and when.
“Reports of entangled Seals are still important as we can monitor them if we know they are on the beach and from pictures like this we can see the state of the injury and the condition of the Seal which are all important parts of the assessment before any rescue is attempted. The most recent picture we have the better.”
He encouraged anyone who spots entalged seals such as Frisbee to contact: 01825 765 546 during office hours or 07787 433 412 outwith.
