BEACHGOERS are being warned to keep dogs on leads and children away from grey seal pups as autumn and winter swells threaten to separate them from their mothers.
British Divers Marine Life Rescue Jersey issued the advice as grey seal breeding season gets under way, urging Islanders to call for help if they are concerned about a pup.
The charity explained that Jersey has no designated pupping site, leaving mothers to seek undisturbed places to give birth.
These locations are often submerged during big swells, making it “near impossible” for newborn pups to stay safe during high tides and rough seas.
“If pups are washed away, they can turn up on any of our local beaches, with or without mum,” the charity said.
Anyone finding a pup should stay back and look for its mother while calling for assistance.
Beachgoers should never try to herd a seal pup back into the water or share its location on social media.
Concerns can be reported to BDMLR’s head office on 01825 765546, which is available 24 hours a day, or to the JSPCA on 724331.
For assistance outside office hours, the JSPCA can be contacted on 07797 720331.
