Baby seals 'at risk from well-meaning humans'

Wednesday, 10 March 2010 19:54

Seal pups may be at risk after a lack of sea ice has left many stranded, it has been reported in news which may concern pet insurance customers.

The Canadian Press reports that the Gulf of St Lawrence - which usually boasts ample sea ice for seals to give birth or feed their babies on - has been lacking in such production this year, leaving seal pups exposed.

The cute furry creatures are being washed up on beaches where they lie helpless.

However, according to Veronik de la Cheneliere of the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network, a bigger threat to their welfare may be well-intentioned animal lovers.

Intent upon helping the baby mammals, "they (humans) react as if they have found a lost kitten or a lost puppy dog", trying to pick the youngsters up, carry them back to the water or even back to their homes.

However, Ms de la Cheneliere points out, as cute as the critters are it is vital to remember they are still "wild animals".

It was recently reported that a seal pup - christened Beetle - was rescued last week from a Whitby pier.

Animal Friends Insurance Services are an ethical pet insurance company. We have been supporting animal welfare charities around the world since 1999 by donating all net profits to their causes.

Posted by Gemma