Concerns Raised After Number Of Dead Seals Reported Along Wicklow Coastline

While experts say it’s not too unusual at this time of year, one case in which a young pup was found dead following serious injuries, has sparked speculation that bull seals may be attacking smaller grey seals and their young.

Seal Rescue Ireland has previously called for the period of the closure of a beach to the public on the outskirts of Wicklow town to be extended, to protect the seal colony using it.

The beach at Brides Head, is closed to the public for the Seal pupping season from August until December, however Seal Rescue wants the access ban extended until May each year

Seals are known to abandon their young if they detect human scent on their pup and gardai have warned people to keep their dogs on leads and not to approach any seals they see along the coast.