These are the distressing images showing a juvenile seal with a plastic strapping band trapped around its neck and cutting through flesh.
The pictures were taken by Lynne Booth, who regularly monitors the seal colonies near to Flamborough Lighthouse on the headland.
Lynne immediately contacted the Yorkshire Seal Group who dispatched stewards to search and identify the grey seal.
Matt Barnes, who is one of the stewards and also a member of the BDMLR (British Divers Marine Life Rescue), explained:
“After identifying the young seal they worked to restrain and then free the juvenile.
“The seal had a plastic strapping band strapped tightly around its neck Causing a deep ligature that would have worsened over time and compromised its health.
“The wounds were treated and the seal marked and released in situ due to the topography of the site
“We expect the seal to fully recover and will monitor it to ensure its welfare needs are met.”
Lynne Booth added: “You could see how the strap is ripping into the seals neck, it was so upsetting – I was updated that they saved the seal and released it back which is great news.”
If you come accross an imperilled marine mammal please call BDMLR (24 hours) on 01825-765546.
If you are interested in becoming a Marine Mammal Medic visit www.bdmlr.org.uk.
If you are interested in volunteering for seal monitoring and disturbance mitigation of the Yorkshire Seal Group – www.yorkshireseals.org.
