Harbour/Common Seal Pups

These pups are born on land but venture into the sea
with their mums straight after the 1st feed.

If you spot a pup on the beach with its mum do not disturb them.
Keep dogs and children away.

If the pup is on its own with no mum in sight please ring
the Irish Seal Sanctuary:

01 835 4370 or 066 915 1750

A very Skinny Harbour Pup
The Pelvic Bone is showing
Skin Wrinkles should not be seen nor should the pelvis bone,
they should look barrel and torpedo shaped.

A Healthy Pup

Grey Seal Pups

These pups are born on land with a white coat.

The pups stay on land for up to 3 weeks, in which
time they moult their whitecoat.

The mums will usually be watching their pups from
just off shore, coming on land to feed their pup.

Always keep your distance look for a mum in the sea,
do not approach or touch the pup.

Never put a seal back in the water or throw water over it.
Seals are mammals and air breathers feeling at home on land.

A Healthy Grey Seal Pup - Mother at sea will
return to feed. Keep your distance as not to
disturb and keep dogs away!

A skinny Grey Seal Pup

If you are not sure if the pup is ok ring us on  01 835 4370 or 066 915 1750 straight away.

We will ask a few of the following  questions or if you leaving a voice message please include

• Contact number and name
• Details of the seal pups location
  
• Details of the pups size and condition - compared to a dog breed, any injuries
  
• Keep children and pets away
  
• Observe the animal from a distance
  

Under no circumstances return a pup to the sea!    

If a pup is on land, they are there for a reason eg. resting, sick, injured or orphaned.  
Some injuries may not be easily spotted or they may be internal.

Do not approach or try to touch a seal.  Seals are wild animals and will bite if they feel threatened.
 
Encounters with Seals at Sea

There are 2 types of encounters with seals:

 
1. Encounters initiated by humans

This type is ill-advised eg. approaching, petting and feeding seals.
You can enjoy watching seals without direct contact, we ask that you
treat them as the wild and beautiful marine mammals that they are.

2. Encounters initiated by seals

These are far less frequent and of concern to the sea-swimmer, snorkeler or diver.
If approached by a seal in the water, the seal has a distinct advantage (being extremely agile and fast).
It is important not to encourage the seal by approaching it further.  If it does approach you, keep calm
and slowly move away with no sudden movements, as they may think you are playing or threatening them.
They are just curious of you.

Please remember the sea is their natural habitat and their home,
we ask that you respect this, thank you.