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Public urged not to approach seal on sea front

Rescuers urged the public to keep their distance from Bernie

Marine life rescuers have urged the public not to approach a grey seal resting on Scarborough sea front, after the animal was disturbed by an onlooker.

The seal, nicknamed Bernie, was first spotted in the area on Wednesday and is currently resting on the town's lifeboat ramp.

A witness said a person had crossed a barrier to approach the seal, which jumped from the slipway onto the beach before returning to the ramp.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue said Bernie appeared to be an older male who was underweight, and urged people to leave him in "peace" with "space to rest".

Fred Tiles A person approaching a grey seal.Fred Tiles
A person was seen approaching the seal, which jumped from the slipway onto the beach

Fred Tiles, 70, said he saw the person climb over the barrier separating the seal from the main pathway.

Mr Tiles said: "The seal panicked and jumped off the slipway onto the beach.

"Happily it returned to rest on the slipway."

Marine Life Rescue said: "We were disheartened to hear someone had jumped the barriers to get access to the seal to scare him off of the slipway. 

"Thankfully Bernie wasn't injured, and he returned to the slipway a short while later.

"Although underweight, Bernie still displays sufficient strength to be able to inflict a severe bite or injury if approached.

"If you do spot him or any other seal, please provide them with peace, safety, and space to rest."

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