Seal pup visits Llanelli Beach

A healthy pup seal pup was stranded on a nature reserve dunescape off Lliedi Haven on Llanelli beach last Thursday.

 

 

Millennium Coastal park Ranger Simeon Jones said dog walkers had to be kept at bay for 12 hours until the tide returned.

He said they consulted the RSPCA who suggested because the seal was healthy it was just probably resting but has been surprised and caught out by the tide which had receded too far into the estuary.

Mr Jones said: “When the tide came back the seal pup took off so he was clearly hungry.

“He seemed quite content on the relaxing on the rocks, stretching, yawning and dozing, which is natural behaviour for seals. Although he is young he knows the natural environment far better than we ever will.

“His appearance here in such good condition is also very good news for the local environment and healthy nature of the estuary waters,” said conservation ranger Mr Jones.

The UK is home to 50per cent of grey seals which is a globally threatened mammal. They breed on the Gower and around the coast of Pembrokeshire on rocky beaches.

Pups are born in caves or on beaches from August to December. The white-coated pups spend the first three weeks feeding and sleeping. After this the pups are left to fend for themselves, spending most of their time at sea, returning to the shore to haul out and rest.

Grey seals dive up to depths of 70m to feed on a wide range of fish species however they also feed on crustaceans, cephalopods and the occasional sea bird.