Pup born on inaccessible local cove

This is the start of the main pupping season. Surprisingly we have seen five pups already this year. The first, born on New Year's Day was really born at the end of last season. In April a moulted pup was spotted resting and regaining its strength on the sand banks next to Hayle Estuary. After watching it one evening, it headed back to the safety of the open sea. Sadly, the third pup (a white coat) was found dead by Lifeguards at Godrevy and the fourth was rescued from St Agnes on 18th August by British Divers Marine Life Rescue who took it to the National Seal Sanctuary at Gweek, where it is rehabilitating well.

First spotted by Terry last week, this pup (2005E) is so well camouflaged it is very hard to spot, even when you know where to look. It was hauled out just above the sea. It may be about 10 days old, although some of its white coat has already moulted from its head and flippers to reveal a beautiful patterned light grey coat beneath - indicative of a female pup. Mum had positioned her body across the incoming surf to protect the pup above her on the beach. After a short while the pup woke up and moved further up the shingle and Mum was able to rest herself. She was soon interupted by a visit from the male, who had been patrolling just offshore. He approached the female and pretended to rest, but she wasn't fooled and soon growled and howled her disapproval, forcing him to retreat back towards the sea. This location has been used for pups before, but not since October 2002. Whilst it is an inaccessible cove, it still suffers from marine debris and the last photo shows what seems to be a discarded yellow bag close to the pup. This pup will have a hard enough struggle to survivewithout having marine litter posing other risks.

Mother & pup (Far left) : Pup in mid moult (Mid left) : Fast asleep (Mid right) : Pup waking up (Far right.)

Very cute (Far left) : Light undercoat, pup may be a girl (Mid left) : A photogenic pup! (Mid right) : Mum resting close by(Far right.)

Male, female & pup (Far left) : Male & female (Mid left) : Female sees male off (Mid right) : Pup close to marine waste (Far right.)

(Please remember all these photos are taken from the clifftop up to 65 metres away, to avoid disturbing the seals)