Scottish SPCA warn public not to approach seals for 'selfies and petting' at Newburgh Beach
The charity say they've received several concerning calls regarding people approaching seals
The Scottish Society for Prevention Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) are urging visitors to Aberdeenshire's popular Newburgh Beach to keep their distance from onshore seals.
The beach is renowned for seal-spotting, but the charity is concerned about the number of visitors approaching seals to pet them or to grab a photo.
Scared seals can inflict a 'nasty bite'
As well as causing harm to the seal, approaching them can be dangerous for a person or a pet.
National Wildlife Rescue Centre manager, Chris Hogsden, said: "We have had several reports of seal pups in Ellon being approached for selfies and petting.
"Unfortunately getting close to seals like this can cause their mothers to abandon them, leaving them to fend for themselves before they are able to survive on their own.
"It’s also potentially dangerous as seals are wild animals and can inflict a nasty bite when scared or in pain."
"Please never approach a seal. Put dogs on a lead and do not allow them to approach the animal either.
Mr Hogsden is also urging visitors to avoid trying to put seals back in the water.
"Don’t try to put a seal back in the water as it’s normal for them to spend time on land. They may be out of the water for good reason or simply just resting.
"Anyone who has concerns about a seal, or anything other animal, should call our confidential animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
"Our centre is already caring for a high number of seals and we’d like to avoid any animals coming into our care unnecessarily.
"If you find a seal pup onshore then monitor the animal from a safe distance over the course of 24 hours. If no mother seal has been seen within this period, please call our helpline for advice.
"If the seal is obviously injured or appears sick then call our helpline immediately."