A swimmer who tried to "cuddle" a wild seal has sparked fury among animal lovers who fear she might have to be relocated for a second time.
Spearmint the seal is something of a local celebrity in Plymouth where she has been seen bathing on the beach, approaching paddle boarders and even joining swimmers at sea.
She has been sighted on many occasions in Firestone Bay and seems perfectly happy with walkers and swimmers being just a few metres away, reports Plymouth Live.
But concerns have been raised for her well-being after a wild swimmer was pictured trying to play with her and supposedly give her a hug.
Wave After Wave, a water safety initiative, tweeted the photo and said: "Oh look some irresponsible swimmer decided to have a play and cuddle with Spearmint our local seal.
"This is a wild animal. Seals nip and bite. This is what they do in the wild. If you want a cuddle BUY A TOY SEAL."
Spearmint was first rescued in Wales and rehabilitated at the RSPCA's West Hatch centre in Somerset.
But residents now fear she will have to be moved again if people continue to try to interact with the seal making it more likely that she will nip or bite someone.
Although this would be natural behaviour for a seal, this could result in her being relocated again.
There have also been reports of people mistreating Spearmint or acting inappropriately around the wild animal.
Locals have fought tooth and nail in recent months to warn people not to get too close to wild seals and to give Spearmint plenty of room.
There is even a sign in place at Firestone Bay giving advice on what to do and what not to do around a wild seal.
Speaking to PlymouthLive about the incident, a spokesperson for Wave After Wave said: "She's already had such a sad story of being relocated we don't want to lose her, people just need to respect her.
"You wouldn't play with a lion cub! Spearmint is a regular in our bathing waters now, appearing most days and fortunately 99% of the local water users have read the signs and have adhered to them.
"Spearmint is young and by nature curious, but just like a puppy she also bites and nips.
"The only people currently in the water are hardy, acclimatised adults but once the summer season begins especially with the emphasis on the water through the National Marine Park the water will be populated with younger users and our concern is over familiarisation with Spearmint could result in a child with serious injuries.
"If this was to occur Spearmint would be removed and relocated.
"Please follow the advice on social media and along the waterfront, avoid Spearmint where possible, if she comes towards you change your course. Please do not touch her, cuddle her or feed her."
British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) advises people to watch seals from a distance if spotted on the beach.
A spokesperson added: "Do not approach the animal. Seals regularly haul out on our coasts – it is part of their normal behaviour and, in fact, they spend more time out of the water, digesting their food and resting than in it.
"Therefore, finding a seal on the beach does not mean there is necessarily a problem and do not chase it into the sea as this may stop it from doing what it needs to do – rest. A healthy seal should be left alone.
"Do not approach a seal, or allow children or dogs near it.
"Seals are wild animals and although they look cute, they will defend themselves aggressively if necessary."
