WITH reports of several seals being found washed up dead on beaches in the North East and North Yorkshire in recent weeks, here is what you should do if you find one.

Guidance issued by the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries Conservation Authority (IFCA) says that dead seals should be reported to the local council who will organise the removal of the carcass.

Read more: Investigators reveal why dead seals could wash up on North East beach after shocking pictures

The following organisations collect data on dead seals in the region and are interested in receiving reports of washed up carcasses.

• Cetacean Stranding Investigation Program (CSIP) 0207 449 6672

• The National Strandings Hotline 0800 652 0333

• Dove Marine Laboratory, Cullercoats, 0191 208 305

  • If the seal has visible signs of human actions, bullet wounds, knife wounds or net marks, report them to the Marine Management Organisation 0300 123 1032.

If you come across a live seal on the beach, take the following steps:

  • Keep well away from it, if you want to take a picture use a camera zoom or binoculars so that they can’t smell, hear or see you
  • Keep dogs on a lead when in an area where seals might be present
  • Never feed seals
  • Pups are often left alone while their mother is looking for food. When there is a live seal pup on the shoreline, observe it from a distance, look for signs of a cough or injury. If it is in a safe place and showing no obvious ill effects leave it alone and check again in 24 hours.
  • If you see a seal that may be abandoned, thin, ill or injured, then call the following for advice and assistance: BDMLR rescue hotline: 01825 765546 or the RSPCA on 0300 1234 99. Give the hotline an accurate description of the seal and its exact location. If at all possible, stay on the beach to guide the rescue team to the animal. This can save valuable and perhaps critical time. If you have a mobile, give the number to the hotline.

IFCA warns that as marine animals are wild animals, they may carry diseases which are transferable to humans.

Do not put yourself at risk of injury by touching them. Do not attempt to move heavy animals without adequate assistance and always wash your hands thoroughly after any contact.

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