EXPERTS SAY DON'T GET TOO CLOSE, AND DON'T TOUCH

MARINE fans who want to catch a glimpse of a sunbathing seal that appears to be regularly visiting the beach at Firestone Bay are being urged to keep their distance by conservationists, or risk the creature suffering future problems.

- By CARL EVE

Recent sightings of the snoozing seal as it lounges on the beach, close to Devil's Point, have understandably drawn increased attention, and social media is awash with photos of the mammal, with some getting in close to get a better shot.

However, conservationists are keen to remind locals of the downside of such attention, citing the case of 'Spearmint' who became a regular visitor to the beaches around Cawsand, Torpoint and Firestone Bay back in late 2021 through to July 2022, with crowds gathering to see her.

By March of 2022, concerns were raised after Spearmint was seen being hand-fed by members of the public. Worse, some were even seen attempting to stroke or even 'cuddle' Spearmint.

Spearmint was rescued in Wales and rehabilitated at the RSPCA‘s West Hatch centre in Somerset. She had been tagged and had previously visited Ilfracombe.