A seal trapped in a fishing lake has “found himself in a branch of Waitrose” and has no incentive to escape, according to an expert.
The animal has evaded multiple attempts at capture since first being spotted at Rochford Reservoir, in Essex, almost a month ago, the BBC reported.
Simon Dennis, a marine medic and member of British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), said the seal needed to be caught for its own welfare but was happily eating the fish in the lake. He said it was likely that it had swum up an inlet and become stuck in the reservoir.
“But now it probably has no incentive to leave as it’s found itself in a branch of Waitrose and it’s munching its way through the fish.”
The seal appears to be unaware of the fishing ban, in place since its arrival, with local experts saying it has been enjoying the contents of the reservoir since about 12 December.
The reservoir is owned by Rochford district council but has been licensed to Nick North, of Marks Hall Fisheries, for 11 years. North told the BBC his staff were working with the council, BDMLR, the Environment Agency and Essex constabulary’s wildlife team to rescue the seal, but attempts last week had failed as it had slipped under a net.
North said the lake was “one of the best park angling lakes for all types of anglers”, and the seal was having a detrimental effect. “To see all this lost due to a seal getting into a lake where it doesn’t belong is ridiculous,” he said. “When I asked about the damage the seal was causing to my stock of fish, I was told that didn’t come into consideration as the seals were a protected species and the fish weren’t. This seal needs to be removed as soon as possible. Seals live in the sea, not freshwater lakes.”
The BDMLR said: “We do want this animal to be relocated as much as the angling community do – it cannot exhibit normal ‘seal’ behaviour on its own – they are social, colony animals – and all agencies involved do appreciate the detrimental effect on the other species in the lake.”
Dennis said the seal appeared to have slight injuries – possibly some fishing line caught on a flipper – and an eye injury, but seemed to be feeding normally.
“It’s a delicate balance of rescuing the seal for its own welfare, but not stressing it out,” he said.
Dave Sperring, of Rochford district council, apologised for the inconvenience to fishers. He asked residents to keep away from the area for safety and to keep dogs on a lead.
