Every Autumn the shores of the Bailiwick see grey seal pups being born, and the GSPCA are issuing advice today because of the inclement weather we have seen recently.
The earliest grey seal pup we have rescued in recent years was Temperance who was found during the last week of October last year.
In recent years every winter the GSPCA have helped rescue and care for grey seal pups.
Geoff George Animal Collection Officer and main carer for Seals at the GSPCA said "Grey Seal Pups are often born from the end of October around the Bailiwick of Guernsey and we like to let the public know what to do if they see one."
"With bad weather seal pups can often get separated from their Mother during their first few days of life which is crucial to help with their development."
"If anyone spots a seal pup healthy or not we urge people not to approach them and to give us a call on 257261."
Steve Byrne GSPCA Manager said "It is always hard to rescue and rehabilitate seals which are so weak, but every year in the last six years we have rescued 1 or 2 and cared for them and got them back to the wild, although taking months of care and treatment."
"A healthy grey seal pup should look like a fat sausage and you shouldn't be able to the a neck, but if in doubt please send a picture in or give us a call."
"Last year we rescued Temperance the thinnest grey seal pup to come into our care which was found at Beaucette."
“Earlier this year Temperance was released back in the wild on Jethou thanks to Rib Voyages.”
"Often healthy seal pups will have their Mother watching them from out at sea and it is people that has scared them off, so please do keep your distance and your dogs under control."
"Only recently have wildlife enthusiasts been highlighting the dangers of dogs on the shores to birds and over the next few months seal pups will also have a possible presence, so please do take care and keep them a safe distance."
If anyone see's a pup with or without a mum we really do appreciate a call so that we are aware of its location and condition, but here is some advice.
A healthy pup looks like a big, stuffed maggot without a neck. However, a thin pup looks sleek (but not bony) and has a visible neck, like a healthy dog.
PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH THE SEAL. They can give a nasty bite, which will become infected by bacteria that live in a seal’s mouths.
Note: Do not allow dogs or other animals to harass a seal.
If a Seal is scared back into the water, it could then be washed out to sea by strong currents and be lost. You should not put a seal pup back in the sea as it may get into difficulty.
If a Seal pup is sick, thin or injured then we would ask you to contact the GSPCA immediately on 01481 257261 day or night
When reporting an injured, sick or abandoned seal to the GSPCA, please make sure you are able to supply the following information:
- Exact location; nearest town / village
- Position on the beach, and state of the tide
- How long you have observed the pup; any disturbance / risk to it; whether the mother has been seen
- Any wounds / obvious signs of illness
- Length/colour/condition.
Caution:- Handling of any animal either domestic, wild, dead or alive may be potentially hazardous. Obvious dangers include bites, scratches and general hygiene issues. Common sense should be applied in all instances and, if unsure, seek additional advice or assistance. Personal hygiene should be taken into consideration after handling any animal, whether it’s domestic, wild, dead or alive.
To see some of the previous stories about seals please click here.
Some grey seal facts -
Population numbers since 1960s have doubled
- A grey seal pup weighs 14kg at birth
- A grey seal pup mothers milk contains 60% fat
- Grey seals can dive to a depth of 70m
- Another name for a grey seal is the horsehead seal
- Grey seals are found in the waters surrounding Europe, Russia, North America, and Channel Islands
- Grey seals can be found in estuaries, inter tidal zones, brackish water, polar and shallow seas
- There are 18 known species of seal in the world
Tonight we have a volunteer induction evening and for more information and additional induction dates please visit http://gspca.org.gg/about/volunteers or call 257261
If you would like to help at one of our upcoming events please give Michelle a call on 257261 or email [email protected]
To see the opening hours at the GSPCA please visit – http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-opening-visiting-times
To see our upcoming guided tours please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/services/guided-tours-gspca
To donate to the animals in our care please visit - www.paypal.me/DonateGSPCA
To become an Angel Pen Pal Sponsor to sponsor the hoglets and support our work please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/angel-sponsorship-scheme-animals-needing-guernseys-everlasting-love
To see our Wish List on our website please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/our-plans-wish-list
For other fund raising ideas and ways to support please visit - http://www.gspca.org.gg/fundraising
To visit the details on the Urgent Kennel Floor Appeal please visit - www.gspca.org.gg/blog/urgent-kennel-floor-appeal-%E2%80%93-kennel-flooring-work-discovers-need-new-drains-and-completely-ripp
To find out how your business could help us at the GSPCA http://www.gspca.org.gg/about/how-your-business-can-help-gspca-corporate-sponsorship
To learn more about our biggest project, become an Exclusive Build Partner and support our Wildlife Hospital please visit http://www.gspca.org.gg/page/gspca-exclusive-build-partner
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