Yorkshire Seal Group

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Yorkshire Seal Group

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Seal watching in Yorkshire: Our code for Responsible Wildlife Watching

Grey seals hauled out in Yorkshire

Give Wildlife Space

It is normal for seals to rest on land to digest their food,   socialise and pup. Disturbance is damaging for a seal as it:

  • Interrupts their rest
  • Causes stress
  • Wastes energy reserves
  • Can result in injury or death

Levels of disturbance

  • Level 1 - A Seal is disturbed if it is looking at you (Picture 1)
  • Level 2- Draw back to avoid it moving away (Picture 2)
  • Level 3- Avoid it having to retreat to the sea (Picture 3)

we recommend

When seal watching in Yorkshire:

  • Keep dogs under control on leads
  • Keep quiet (so Seals can’t hear us)
  • Keep out of sight (so Seals can’t see us)
  • Keep downwind (so Seals can’t smell us)
  • Keep well away: Use your zoom, binoculars or telescope
  • Do not take Seal selfies
  • Do not feed wild Seals
  • Do not fly drones near Seals
  • Do not name/promote Seal sites on social media
  • Litter kills wildlife: Take it home

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Copyright © 2025 Yorkshire Seal Group - All Rights Reserved. Charity Number: 1212418 

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