Bad Weather puts Seal Pups at risk this time of year - Please Watch for them around our coastline
Submitted by GSPCA on 14:55, 23rd Oct, 2013 |
0
Every Autumn the shores of the Bailiwick see Grey Seal pups being born and the GSPCA are issuing advice today on what to do especially with the rough weather that we currently have.
Last year the GSPCA rescued two Grey Seal Pups which were called Jethou Bumblebee and Hanois.
Fortunately both were rescued in time and were able to be rehabilitated at the GSPCA in Guernsey.
Earlier this Spring they were released back in the wild on Jethou and we have had regular sightings of them which certainly warmed the hearts of the GSPCA team.
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.'
'With bad weather Pups often get seperated from their Mother during their first few days of life which is crucial they get 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 was wonderful when we released Jethou Bumblebee and Hanois back to the wild and the season has quickly come around once again.'
'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.'
'Jethou Bumblebee was a Seal Pup we were sent pictures of and we quickly spotted she was extremely thin and launched the rescue to Jethou thanks to the Bumblebee Boat Cruise team helping us.'
'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 especially your dogs under control.'
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.
Pictured above is Jethou Bumblebee and Hanois two Grey Seals GSPCA staff rescued and cared for which were released on Jethou April 2013.
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 follow the links below
If you require further advice please contact the GSPCA on 257261
Have you liked us on facebook yet or joined us on twitter?
The following are events planned for 2013
Date
Event
For more details
Details to follow
Bric-A-Brac, Clothes, Coffee & Snacks at the Shelter
Monday – Saturday 9am – 5pm
Pet Supplies & GSPCA Goods on sale at the GSPCA Reception
Thursday 24th October – 7.45pm
Art Auction at St Pierre Park Hotel Sponsored by the Heritage Group. If you book a meal at the Victor Hugo Restaurant at the St Pierre Park Hotel then a donation from every meal will be made to the GSPCA. Also the Pavilion will be opening on the evening with their Tennerfest menu and they too are donating proceeds from each meal to the GSPCA.
Round Table Christmas Fair - a stall with all sorts of goods and tombola
December Thursdays
Late Night Shopping GSPCA Stall in town
Date and details to be confirmed
Christmas Fair
16th to 21st December 2013
Christmas Pop Up Shop on Smith Street thanks to OSA Recruitment
January 2014
Start of the Animal Care Course with WEA at the GSPCA
To find out about how to become a Member, Sponsor an Animal Pen, our Wish List, Corporate Sponsorship & Volunteering, Events, our Cattery Appeal and much more please click here.
Post new comment