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Beached Seal

  • 04-01-2014 10:44pm
    #1
    ocallagh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,141 ✭✭✭


    Was just out for a walk with my dogs on Burrow Beach in Sutton.

    It's resting on a concrete walkway about 4 foot above the sand and right now, about 300m from the sea. It was sitting up alert, but I didn't get a good look to see if it was injured as my two dogs were first to spot it and I was distracted trying to keep them away from it.

    For anyone who knows the area it's at the foot of the cliff in this photo: http://www.theirishlandscape.com/img/s3/v41/p935497514-3.jpg

    The tide rarely makes it to the walkway, let alone cover it, but with the high tides recently I'm guessing the place was just completely swamped. I can't see how the seal would make it out of there without assistance.

    Anything I can do? DSPCA aren't open until Monday and I'd be concerned about dogs tomorrow etc..


Comments

  • #2
    DBB
    Moderators, Recreation & Hobbies Moderators Posts: 9,790 Mod ✭✭✭✭DBB


    I've been involved in a few seal rescues in my time! The general rule of thumb is unless the seal is injured, to leave it be until there's been at least one more high tide, so that the seal can take to the water again. Would your seal be able to escape from here if the tide came in, bearing in mind that the tides are particularly big at the min? Have you any plans to return to the area tomorrow to check? Was it an adult or baby?

    Otherwise, there are two avenues to look at. This website gives details of a seal rescue organisation in Dingle, who have access to volunteers nationside who may be able to help:
    http://www.irishwildlifematters.ie/animals/marine.html

    But there's also the Irish Seal sanctuary in Garristown. I had heard that they were gone, but I spoke to the founder only a few months ago and he tells me that this is a nasty rumour (seal politics, huh?!)
    http://www.irishsealsanctuary.ie/


  • #3
    ocallagh
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,141 ✭✭✭ocallagh


    Hi - Thanks for the help. Yes, if the tides were as high as they were yesterday and the day before, the seal should be able to make it to the water. I'm not so sure we'll see the same levels again though.

    From here: http://pocketsizetides.com/ - the seal's best shot will be tomorrow 7am. I'll check on it first thing in the morning, and if it's still there I'll try some of those numbers you listed.

    A large portion of the sandbank (protecting the houses along Burrow Road) was washed away (First time in 20 years I've seen that happen) so I'm guessing the wildlife around the area will take some time to adjust.. One of my two dogs fell into a newly created pond on the walk :D


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