Stunning seal delights onlookers at Firestone Bay

Plymouth residents were delighted as a beautiful seal made an appearance in the city today (November 7).

Mum Louise Durbin and daughter Amelia, 9, were having breakfast at Firestone Bay at 11am when they spotted the magnificent creature basking in the sun.

Louise said: “It just came up by the little pool staring at everyone. I go there for breakfast most Sundays so my nine-year-old daughter Amelia was delighted.”

Read more: Spearmint the seal naps on Cawsand Beach in front of stunned visitors

This isn’t the first of the mammals that’s been spotted nearby in recent weeks – one has been stunning visitors just over the Tamar. A tame seal called Spearmint made its home at a popular beach in Cornwall

The animal’s exposure to humans has meant she is very comfortable around people. So much so, in fact, that she was spotted napping on the beach in October, as fascinated onlookers stopped to snap photos of her.

Multiple animal and wildlife agencies have spoken up to warn people against getting too close to the seal, to protect her and the general public from harm.

The RSPCA has warned that seals can be incredibly strong and powerful wild animals and can have a very nasty bite which can cause horrible wounds which could become infected by the bacteria that live in a seal’s mouth, but also urged dog owners to keep their distance from Spearmint and other seals – after the animal charity had reports of seals being bitten by dogs.

Volunteers have been keeping an eye on Spearmint for weeks in the area, with a sentry posted on a nearby chair for most daylight hours until recently. Signs have been put up around the village asking people not to get too close and keep their dogs on leads.

Spearmint seems perfectly happy among the walkers, swimmers and paddle boarders only a few metres away – very unusual for a seal.

You can read more here.

Why you should not approach a seal

According to British Divers Marine Life Rescue: “If you find a seal on a beach, watch it from a distance.

“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.”

Get the best stories about the things you love most curated by us and delivered to your inbox every day. Choose what you love here

Read more:

Love, life and adventure in the heart of North Prospect – once dubbed ‘Swilly’

How fishmongers are still going on after a decade at Plymouth market