Disturbance
One of the main causes of disturbance to breeding seals is people walking on the beach and getting too close. That is why an annual voluntary beach closure is put in place at Horsey between early November and late January.
Our wardens are responsible for creating safe viewing areas on the top of the dunes. Recently we helped construct a chestnut paling fence, paid for by Natural England, on the low dunes at Winterton to create a viewing corridor which keeps seals and people apart.
Threat to Humans
It is wise to remember that seals are wild animals and can pose a threat of injury to humans. Their bite can lead to a condition known as Seal Finger which if not treated straight away, can lead to an infection and even the loss of a digit or worse.
They are large feisty animals, especially the bulls. They will either flee from a perceived threat or stand their ground and fight and they can move surprisingly fast, for their size. Growth in the colony over recent years is a testimony to the efforts of our wardens to keep humans and seals from getting too close to each other.
