Seal pups die after beachgoers ignore signs
There have been calls for seals to be better protected in Norfolk, a major breeding ground, after people ignoring warning signs at Winterton in December led to the deaths of three grey seal pups.
Is it just a handful of ‘bad apples’ or is there a wider problem with photographers and other people getting too close and causing stress?
The more remote seal colony at Blakeney Point – England’s largest – can be viewed safely on boat trips. But the sands between Waxham, Horsey and Winterton are easily accessible – it was in this area that, on 9 January, a staggering 2,316 grey seal pups were counted.
From November to January, up to 100,000 visitors flock here, says Peter Ansell, Chair of the Friends of Horsey Seals (FoHS). “Ten years ago, things were manageable, but with social media, it’s gone crazy,” Ansell says. “We no longer publicise this site.” Problems include dogs off the lead, photographers getting too close and plastic litter.
In pupping season, FoHS has six or seven volunteer seal wardens on duty daily. But, Ansell says, they “have no authority” and patrol a huge area, adding “you get some very belligerent people”. The solution at Winterton, he concludes, is over a mile of shoulder-height temporary fencing to persuade people to stay up on the sand dunes, and keep the seals away. “But it costs thousands. As a small charity, we can’t afford it.” BH
FIND OUT MORE Friends of Horsey Seals: friendsofhorseyseals.co.uk