Newborn seal pup treated after Wick storm
A NEWBORN seal pup which became separated from his mother in a storm is the first of many grey seals expected to be rescued by the Scottish SPCA this winter.
The male pup, which is said to be less than a week old, was found washed up on a harbour wall at Wick.
It was found in the area by SSPCA senior inspector Audrey Gunn and was transported to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue Highland Seal Hospital at Scarfskerry.
The seal, named Moon by staff, received treatment before being transferred to the SSPCA Wildlife and Rescue Centre in Fife.
Centre manager Colin Seddon said Moon is being tube fed and is responding well to treatment.
"Moon was too small to be separated from his mother and unable to swim so it was lucky someone spotted him and called us for help," he said.
"A mother grey seal will leave her pup on land while she is out feeding because it cannot swim until it has lost all of its white fur, which happens at around three to four weeks of age. If her pup is touched or moved then there is a good chance she will abandon it."
The Scottish SPCA is urging members of the public to contact its animal helpline if they see a distressed seal pup, adding they could be doing more harm than good by approaching or picking it up. The number is 03000 999 999.
"Our message to the public is, if you see a sick seal pup call our animal helpline for advice or assistance on 03000 999 999 before approaching it."