Dead Seal at Treen linked to local seal colony

On 11th July a dead seal was reported to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust's 'Strandings' hotline. Seal group members Dan and Caroline were called out to examine the seal, take measurements, samples and photos. Accompanied by Tim, they found the seal at Treen. The adult female seal was about 1.5m long and it is thought that she had recently given birth. The pregnancy would explain her very emaciated condition.

Caroline, Dan & Tim (left) : S68 'Black smile' (Middle) : Tagged & ready for collection & disposal (Far right.)

Sadly this is the first dead seal that I have been able to identify. Coded S68, this adult female has been seen only three times since she was first identified in 2002 - on 8th September 2002, 30th May 2004 and 7th August 2004. The idea that S68 had recently had a pup could imply that in May she was passing through the North Coast colony on her way west to her breeding grounds (maybe near Treen) and that in August & September she was returning from having weaned her pup on the way back to her non breeding haul out site further east.  

S68 Distinctive black nose (left) : S68 'Black smile' & white 'b' on its neck (Middle) :Oval back scar (Far right.)

S68 had a couple of interesting features including a black nose patch, a thick black smile (Dan said this was hair loss) and an oval scar on her back. It is sad that S68 has died, as she was a distinctive and beautiful mature female seal.

16/07/05