‘Wild and unpredictable’: Warning to keep distance from Bournemouth beach seal. MEMBERS of the public have been warned to keep their distance as a young seal continues to take time to rest on Bournemouth beach. Over the past week many residents and visitors have spotted the mammal on the seafront.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=aqb7V6j6cgk
Are there seals in Dorset?
Two species of seal are native to UK waters, grey seals and common (or harbour) seals, both of which can be encountered in Dorset. The UK is important for both species, home to almost 40% of the global grey seal population and around 30% of the European subspecies of the common seal population.
Which UK beaches have seals?
Best seal-spotting locations in the UK
- Orkney Islands, Scotland.
- Blakeney, Norfolk.
- Various locations along the coast, West Cornwall.
- Donna Nook, Lincolnshire.
- Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire.
- Monach Isles in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland.
- Farne Islands, Northumberland.
- Horsey Gap, Norfolk.
What time of year is best to see seals UK?
See them for yourself
The pupping season for grey seals starts as early as August in Cornwall, then September-October in Wales and November-December in Scotland and down the East coast of England.
Where can I see seals in south England?
Seeing the seals at Blakeney Point
Seal watching is a favourite pastime in Norfolk and you can visit the seals on Blakeney Point by hopping on a seal boat trip from Morston Quay. There are usually around 4,000 seal pups born each year.
Are there seals in Poole?
Poole Harbour is an important site for common seals, and they have been present in the harbour for a number of years. Compared with grey seals, sightings of common seals are not as widespread throughout Dorset with almost all the common seal sightings restricted to Poole Harbour and adjacent waterways.
Are there great white sharks in Dorset?
Many will be pleased to know that Dorset is not home to the Great White shark that infamously inspired the movie Jaws. However, Dr Jones said that Dorset has recently become a “hotspot” for one of its close relatives – the Porbeagle.
What time do seals come to shore?
Non-Pupping Season (May 16 to December 14)
When it’s hot and sunny, the seals typically leave the beach each morning by 7:00 or 8:00am at the latest. They’ll gradually return to the sand in the late afternoon or early evening, once the shade and/or tide has cooled off the sand.
Where are the most seals in UK?
Common seals are found all around the coastline of the British Isles with the highest populations around Scotland and along the eastern coast of England.
Do seals sunbathe on the beach?
“Seals like to sunbathe just like people do. They come ashore to thermoregulate, digest a meal, and to rest. They are semi-aquatic animals and do not need to be wet,” confirms Niemeyer.
Do seals in the UK bite?
Approaching seals can seriously harm the animals and distress them so much that that they react by biting. Beach-goers and wildlife watchers have been warned off getting too close to seals after a marine rescue volunteer was bitten by a pup in Norfolk.
Are seals friendly UK?
They have a similar level of intelligence to a dog. Whilst they are strong and powerful with huge teeth these are highly unlikely to be used aggressively towards you – playfully yes, but even then they can be incredibly gentle.
Where can I see common seals in the UK?
The most important haul-out areas for common seals are around the coast of Scotland, particularly in the Hebrides, Orkney and Shetland, and on the east coast of England in the Wash, also around Strangford Lough and in SW Ireland.
Where is the largest seal colony in the UK?
Blakeney Point National Nature Reserve
Blakeney Point, home to England’s largest grey seal colony, is celebrating another successful, record-breaking seal pupping season. Blakeney Point National Nature Reserve has been in the care of the National Trust since 1912.
Can you touch a seal UK?
Unless the seal is clearly injured or in distress, just give them lots of space. If you think the seal needs help, please contact British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) on 01825 765546. Seals can give a nasty bite when trying to defend themselves, so never get too close or attempt to move a seal yourself.
What to do if you find a seal on the beach UK?
A healthy seal should be left alone. Do not approach a seal, or allow children or dogs near it. Seals are wild animals and although they look cute, they will defend themselves aggressively if necessary. After stormy weather and / or high tides, seals will haul out on beaches to rest and regain their strength.
Can you see dolphins in Poole?
Poole / Swanage sightseeing and Jurassic Coast cruises. In Dorset the most common species that will be seen are bottle nose dolphins and these fantastic mammals are very playful. Our boats do not go to them, they come to our boats and are happy to play and jump around the boat to the delight of our passengers!
What’s Poole famous for?
Poole is a picturesque seaside town on the Dorset coast. It is situated in between Swanage and Bournemouth and known for its bustling quayside and rich maritime history. In the past it was famous for its commercial fishing fleet and ship building endeavours.
Do you get seals in lochs?
You can see both kinds of seal in Loch Long and Loch Goil. They often haul out on the rocky skerries just offshore. Sometimes they even turn the tables on us, and come people watching.
Does Bournemouth have sharks?
She added: “Sharks are regularly encountered by divers and anglers and some species can be found swimming close to the shore including smooth hounds and even basking sharks.”
What sharks are in Bournemouth?
And basking sharks are regularly filmed off the coast.
The types of sharks found in UK waters
- Basking shark.
- Porbeagle.
- Dogfish.
- Spurdog.
- Shortfin mako shark.
- Tope.
- Smooth-hound.