This young seal had come up onto the beach by itself and looked exhausted. When it saw us approach it made a most unearthly screeching which surprised me, it sounded like someone was being murdered! as we walked closer it reluctantly got up and headed back towards the water, we gave it a wide berth so it didnt need to go back in, it looked like it needed a good long rest. Not sure it was old enough to be independant of its mother so I am hoping she was nearby in the water, but sometimes the young ones get separated by strong seas and washed ashore alone, the worst thing would be if it was discovered by a dog.
I have heard that the Mothers are inclined to 'dump' them when they think they are old enough to go it alone... seems a bit harsh... but I have seen them on our local beach as well .., and yes dogs can be a problem ..
Poor wee thing. I read an article in the paper this week about just this kind of thing. Apparently it's the time of year when the mums decide it's time for the wee ones to go it alone and they can go through a period of looking thin, tatty and distressed. Sad but 'normal' not all survive. I hope this wee one's a survivor.
