Many thanks to Stephen for sharing news of this baby seal, found at St Helens Duver. Ed
This female, less than one week old Common Seal pup has been spotted today by members of the public on the golf course at St Helens Duver. Luckily it has been found uninjured, despite dog presence and a road crossing.
Thanks to the swift response of the Bembrige Harbour Master and his crew, British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) has been informed and Nigel Dove (Isle of Wight BDMLR Area Coordinator and Marine Mammal Medic), Sandra Dove (BDMLR MMM), Dave Evans (Isle of Wight BDMLR Assistant Area Coordinator and MMM) and Stephan Voigt (Isle of Wight BDMLR Assistant Area Coordinator and MMM) attended the scene and took care of the lost animal.
Transferred to RSPCAAfter a quick analysis of the situation, the decision has been made to transfer the animal temporarily to the local RSPCA Godshill Animal Centre in Merstone for a further in depth assessment.
As the pup has been obviously separated from his mum, most likely due to some sort of human interference, chances for a successful reunification of mother and pup would have been very slim, in particular as the pup has been found inland and her mother was not seen to be close enough to this area, complicated by weather, tide, presence of dogs and humans as well as harbour traffic.
Treated and checked over
Based on this scenario the best course of action was to administer first aid by warming the animal up, transferring it transferred quickly to Merstone, where it has been checked over again, received fluids for rehydration and has been treated for a minor local infection.
Another big thank you goes to the local RSPCA Godshill Animal Centre team for all their help, in particular for organising the immediate transport to the RSPCA Mallydams Wood Wildlife Centre in West Sussex, where the animal will be cared for until it is old and mature enough to be released back into the wild.
What to do if you find a seal
Please note, if you find a live seal, please watch it from a distance. Do not approach the animal.
Seals regularly haul out on our coasts – it is part of their normal behaviour. Therefore, finding a seal on the beach does not mean there is necessarily a problem. A healthy seal should be left well alone.
However, if you see a seal that may be abandoned, thin or ill, then call for advice and assistance:
BDMLR hotline: 01825 765546 (office hours) or 07787 433412 (out of hours)
RSPCA hotline (England & Wales): 0300 1234 999
SSPCA hotline (Scotland): 03000 999 999
