POLICE have warned people not to disturb seals on Scottish beaches following a viral video of a pup being chased in Fife.
Police Scotland said they have received reports from “concerned” members of the public following a video showing a seal pup being chased into the sea in the East Neuk of Fife was shared on social media.
Officers have reminded people to be considerate of seals, as chasing them could put them at risk of harm.
Fife's Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer, Ben Pacholek, said that seals are semi-aquatic animals and the time they spend on land is “important” for them to sleep and conserve energy along with digesting food.
He added that seals in Scotland are protected and that anyone caught “recklessly disturbing” seals when they are on land can be a criminal offence.
Pacholek said: “Whilst the majority of visitors to Fife’s coastal beaches are mindful of the resident wildlife, I’d ask that everyone keep a respectful distance from any wild mammals and sea birds.
“It is worth remembering that seals are semi-aquatic animals and the time they do spend on land is often important for them to sleep, conserve energy and digest food.
“Scotland’s seal population is a protected species and intentionally or recklessly disturbing seals when they are resting on land can be a criminal offence.”
