The Jersey branch of British Divers Marine Life Rescue has issued its advice after a dog-walker encountered a seal in St Ouen’s Bay earlier this week.
The woman telephoned the JSPCA, but the seal made its way to the sea and swam off before anyone could attend.
A spokeswoman for BDMLR Jersey said: ‘We have been giving advice and lifting poorly seal pups for more than 15 years and work closely with New Era Vets and the JSPCA. Nearly all of the seals we have lifted have survived and been released back into the wild.
‘As wild animals, seals will always be afraid of humans and dogs on the beach and even if unwell will attempt to get away to safety.
‘Seals can be very aggressive if disturbed and can give a nasty bite to a human or a dog.’
Anyone encountering a seal on the beach is advised to:
- Stay well away and put dogs on leads
- Call the BDMLR hotline on 01825 765546 or the JSPCA on 724331
- Stay patient and keep your distance, making sure dogs and other people also stay away
- Provide further details if you are called back while help is on the way
