The amount of people ignoring guidance to stay away from seals on Norfolk’s beaches was “relentless”, a charity said.<\/p>\n
While they might look cute and fluffy, Friends of Horsey Seals – which operates across Horsey and Winterton – said there had been many times in the past week where people had got too close to the animals.<\/p>\n
In a plea on social media<\/a>, it said: “The message is really simple. Give Seals Space… what is it with folk that they have to go right up to the seals to see them?<\/p>\n “Enjoy the seals from afar. Please just do the right thing.”<\/p>\n Norfolk is regularly home to thousands of grey seals, with many seen at spots along the coast throughout the year.<\/p>\n In December, Friends of Horsey Seals recorded 1,155 adult seals and 3,704 newborns<\/a>.<\/p>\n The charity said any disturbance<\/a> could cause stress, energy loss, sleep deprivation, pain, injury and unnecessary suffering to the animals.<\/p>\n It said: “People get too close when taking photos, often for social media, but surely no amount of ‘likes’ can justify them causing animals to face death through starvation.”<\/p>\n More stories on Norfolk seals<\/p>\n The charity has a number of seal wardens to educate people on keeping a safe distance, and provides a rescue team for any seals injured or in danger.<\/p>\n It is encouraging people to report any incidents of disturbances to understand the “true scale” of the problem.<\/p>\n According to the RSPCA, people should stay at least<\/a> 100m – the length of a football pitch – away from seals.<\/p>\n The animal charity said people should not disturb them, especially if they believed them to be a mother and baby.<\/p>\n Common seals and grey seals are both protected by UK wildlife laws and it is against the law to pet, feed or generally interact with them.<\/p>\n If a baby seal is found, people are advised not to coax them<\/a> back into the water. However, if a seal is sick or injured, people should contact a local charity.<\/p>\n Do you have a story suggestion for Norfolk? Contact us below.<\/p>\n Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds<\/a>, Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a> and X<\/a>.<\/p>\n More stories from NorfolkRelated internet links