Living with seals
Firstly, seals don't like kayaks and canoes. The seal mistakes a kayak or a canoe for a predator, possibly a killer whale, and this spooks them. In summer, it's particularly important to stay well clear as the seals are pupping.
Seals are one of the easiest species in which to identify disturbance. They have a clear three-stage response which has been documented in a number of studies. When approaching seals, stop at a safe distance away and observe them through binoculars or a telescope. Determine their current behaviour and, as you approach, look for any changes to this behaviour.
The first sign that seals are becoming disturbed is the “heads up” response. This is associated with vigilance and means seals are starting to perceive you as a potential threat. If you notice this behaviour, back off and/or change your method and speed of approach. If the animals relax again you can approach a little closer.
The second stage of disturbance is usually shifting around and becoming agitated. At this point you are getting too close and should back off carefully.
If you don’t, this may then lead to the third stage – flushing or stampeding into the water. This undoubtedly constitutes disturbance and should be avoided whenever possible. If the seals slip gently into the water one by one, this may be just curiosity – to get a better look at you – but it may be to ensure that they are safe and that you are not threatening. In most cases this is not a problem, although it may become so if seals are repeatedly leaving their haul-out sites as a result of disturbance.
On land, and especially at breeding sites, keep your distance and don’t try to touch or feed seals. Seals can move surprisingly fast even on land and may bite if they feel threatened.
Never separate pups from mothers. Leave lone pups alone – the mother may only be foraging for food.
Don’t crowd or encircle seals. If there are other boats present, keep to the same side of the animals and don’t encircle them.
Likewise, if there are a number of people on foot, keep to one side of the animals and leave them an escape route to the sea.
Remain as quiet as possible, especially if you are in a group, and avoid sudden movements.
Never land or camp near a haul-out site or at a breeding site.
Avoid taking dogs close to seal haul-outs as they are likely to disturb the seals.
Swimming with seals is not recommended, for your own safety and that of the animals
Flying rings
One of the things the Association does is to work with other groups, one of these recently asked us to highlight an issue that you might not have thought of: how flying rings - think 'frisbee with a hole' - can harm growing seal pups.
Friends Of Horsey Seals tell us, "Seals are being spotted with flying rings stuck around their necks. It seems that younger seals find these flying rings in the sea where they have been thrown or lost and, being inquisitive animals, they play with them and put their heads through the hole.
The seals can’t get the flying ring off as they have flippers rather than arms like ours. As the young seals grow the rings dig into their flesh causing painful wounds that can be fatal."
So, if you do have a flying ring, please don't throw it into the sea, and make sure you take it home with you or, at least, make sure you keep it well up the beach.
We're happy to highlight their awareness campaign - see leaflet above - and hope you can help us spread the word to keep Blakeney seals safe too.