An increase in the number of up-close videos of Seals being shared on social media is concerning local Seal Rescue Medics.
Seal Medics on the Yorkshire Coast say they are concerned by how close people are getting to the animals as they rest on local beaches.
This time of year sees an increase in the number of Seals hauling out to rest on the beaches of the Yorkshire Coast.
Emily Magman is the Assistant Area Co-ordinator for the British Divers Marine Life Rescue team she says increasing numbers of Seals are being intrusively filmed giving rise to some concerns.
More and more videos of Seals are being shared on social media giving rise to concerns about how close and intrusive people are getting to the Seals.
Emily Magman is concerned that the mammals are being frightened and harassed.
Just last week the BDMLR team were called out to Bridlington after a young seal hauled out and became the focus of too much attention from members of the public.
Responding to the incident the BDMLR team said:
"One of our Marine Mammal Medics arrived on scene to a report of an exhausted seal pup hauling out away from a rough tide, with members of the public following it up the steps and crowding.
This young seal is only around 4 months old and is using up vital energy to get away to safety. It is now being monitored by Medics to ensure it gets some rest.
We must stress Do not touch, pour water, chase, or approach seals
They are not cute toys for our amusement. They're wild mammals that deserve peace and rest, not to be crowded around for photographs. This seal had nowhere to go as it was surrounded, so instead opted to "shut down" and try to sleep.
At worst, a seal will inflict a nasty bite which require weeks of treatment and potential complications.
We are immensely grateful for those who found some security fencing to physically block the seal from being approached to allow it to rest. This is a fantastic, intuitive step to take for an animal, well done!
Emily says the BDMLR team have seen a big increase in the number of calls they receive about seals in need of rescue, but in many cases the animals just need to be left alone to rest.
Every year, BDMLR trains over 1000 volunteer Marine Mammal Medics and it's volunteers provide assistance to Seals, Whales, Dolphins and Porpoise around the UK coastline.
Emily says they are currently fundraising to install information signs at points along the Yorkshire Coast which will offer the public advice on what do do if they see Seals on the beach.
The BDMLR Yorkshire Fundraising page can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/bdmlryorkshire2023
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