Beachgoers caught invading space of resting seals on Norfolk coast – Norfolk Live

Once again, beachgoers have been seen standing far too close to seals that have come on shore to rest. Friends of Horsey Seals has taken to its social media to educate Norfolk beach visitors about seal safety and the advice to give these beautiful animals their space.

Yesterday (23 May) a photo was taken of a group of people on an undisclosed Norfolk beach. Adults and children stand and sit just in front of a large group of native seals that have come onto the shore to rest.

The adults can even be seen building sandcastles with the children just in front of the seals and are taking up-close photos of them.

Read more: Save Our Seals

Friends of Horsey Seals said: "Seals are beautiful wild creatures who come onto our lovely Norfolk beaches to rest and moult their old fur off at this time of year. The golden rule is to please stay more that 10 metres away from them at all times. That is 30 feet in old money and the length of a bus to put it another way.

"Get any closer and you risk scaring them back into the sea. If you want to enjoy the beach, play sand castles, have a picnic or sunbathe please bear this distance from the seals in mind when you throw your beach towels down.

"Then you can enjoy yourselves watching the seals as well without invading their space." They added, "This is rather too close."

Read more: The eight-year-old hero doing his bit to keep Norfolk's beaches clean

This comes shortly after Norfolk Police has had increased pressure to do more to protect Norfolk's native grey seals. The discussion follows several recent reports of seals being disturbed by members of the public. In February, Ben Garrod, an academic at the University of East Anglia, pulled an unleashed dog off of a seal.

And last year, police were called to reports that a group of people were attacking a seal on Great Yarmouth beach with stones. It is no surprise that Friends of Horsey Seals expresses its frustration every time beachgoers come too close to the vulnerable animals.

Have your say in the comments below or join the conversation on social media.

Link:

Beachgoers caught invading space of resting seals on Norfolk coast - Norfolk Live