Seals have been disturbed at a South Cumbria nature reserve by two men and their dogs.
Living Seas North West, a collaboration between wildlife trusts in the North West, has reported that two men with dogs approached the seals at South Walney Nature Reserve in Barrow.
The dogs were seen to be off the lead and running around which caused all seals to flee into the water.
A statement said: “The area where the seals haul out is strictly a no access area. This is to prevent disturbing the seals.
“Seals haul out to moult, rest and digest and preserve important energy stores.
“Disturbing the seals and causing them to flush causes energy loss, stress, loss of digestion time and possible injury due to the stampede caused by flushing.
“If you ever see disturbance at the reserve or while on seal cam, please do report it to us.
“Also note, only guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed on the reserve. Thank you to the majority who head to the reserve to observe the seals from the lookout points.”
