Stella the seal has returned to Whitehaven marina – and its bosses have issued a warning to people coming to see her to keep their distance.
In a post on social media, the marina said: “She has become quite an attraction over the last few weeks which is causing concern to many.
“Please can we kindly ask that you refrain from trying to get close to her, keep a wide distance if you do spot her in the water or surrounding areas.
“She comes in and out for a good feed and certainly knows her way around. She is a lovely addition who must feel safe here so we would like to keep it that way.”
The post added that concerns people had raised about the quality of the fish Stella was eating were unfounded.
People should not be worried that the fish may be unsafe, due to the discolouration of the water in Queens dock, as the marina had been assured through test results that there was nothing in the water that could cause harm to wildlife.
Visitors are reminded:
- It is against the law to touch, feed or otherwise harass seals.
- A healthy seal should be left alone. Do not approach a seal or allow children or dogs near it. Seals are wild animals
- After stormy weather and/or high tides, seals will haul out on the beaches to rest and regain their strength.
- Observing from too near a distance can discourage the seal from returning- keep pets away from the area. Dogs can cause injury to Marina mammals and disease can be passed between the species.
- Harbour seals are rather solitary animals. Mothers and pups will hang out together, but otherwise, Harbour seals like being alone. They haul out in groups, but they don’t socialise with each other.
