Watch: Scottish SPCA raising awareness with Seal Squad campaign

IN the past year, the Scottish SPCA has looked after a record 177 seals at the National Wildlife Centre in Fishcross.

The charity have launched a ‘seal squad’ campaign to raise public awareness and provide advice on what to do if you come across a lone seal pup who may be in need of help.

Centre Manager Colin Seddon said: “We cared for more seals than ever last year and expect to see this number rise even more this year.

“Snow White, a grey seal, arrived into our care at the beginning of November after a member of the public noticed her looking very distressed in Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire.

“When she arrived at our centre she was dehydrated and her temperature was a little low. We’ll make sure she gets plenty of hydration before starting her on some fish soup, then moving on to solids.

“Each seal who came into our care last year carried a Disney, Pixar or Dreamworks name, and we were able to release many back into the wild following their rehabilitation.”

Colin added: “It is extremely rare for us to have a seal brought into our care who doesn’t require some treatment.

“If you can get close to a seal then it is most likely injured or in trouble, however we urge the public not to approach them without giving our animal helpline a call first.”

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“A mother seal will leave her pup on land while she is out feeding because it cannot swim very well 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.

“You should call our animal helpline immediately if you spot a seal pup as it might need urgent care. Please do not approach seal pups and keep dogs on a lead in case they frighten them into the water or even cause injury.”

Learn more about the Scottish SPCA campaign to raise public awareness by following #SSPCASealSquad on twitter and facebook.

Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.