An unusual furry visitor was spotted near the V&A in Dundee on Wednesday morning.
A young seal found its way on to the waterfront walkway and had to be rescued by the Scottish SPCA and the Tayside and Perthshire coastguard.
It was recovered safely and taken to a specialist mammal centre.
CRO’s in Dundee assisted @ScottishSPCA this morning in rescuing a young seal that had found its way onto the waterfront walkway. It was recovered safely and taken to a specialist mammal centre. pic.twitter.com/4xZFlMJsQH
— HMCG Tayside & Perthsire (@HMCGTayside) November 28, 2018
The SSPCA urged the public to be aware of seals and seal pups this winter.
Animal centre manager Colin Seddon said: “Grey seals come ashore to give birth in autumn and winter which is why we see such an increase at this time of year.
“We are urging the public not to approach seal pups which have come ashore and to keep dogs on a lead in case they frighten them into the water.
“If you spot a pup with a white coat on a public beach, please contact our animal helpline as chances are, it is in trouble and needs our attention.
“Grey seal pups which no longer have a white coat may still need our assistance if they are on a public beach for more than four hours, or have visible signs of injury, such as bleeding, glued together eyes or generally looking unwell.
“The public should contact our animal helpline and an operator will be able to assess the situation.
“If the seal pup looks and acts healthy it should be left alone.”
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
