Netting threatens seal pup's life

The net could cut through the pup's skin as it grows

An animal charity is trying to save a Cornish seal pup from a possible fatal net entanglement.

The grey seal pup has been spotted at Godrevy, near Hayle with green nylon netting around its neck.

The National Seal Sanctuary at Gweek said the netting could be fatal and hope to launch a rescue attempt.

It is thought the pup is part of a nearby breeding colony and the sanctuary wants anyone who spots it to contact them as a matter of urgency.

Marine litter

"Any entanglement is nasty because the net just cuts through the skin and blubber as the pup grows, and when it is tangled round it's neck this can eventually prove fatal," sanctuary spokeswoman Rachael Vine said.

"We've had at least 20 calls in the last couple of weeks about this same pup.

"There's a breeding colony in the area and we have to be careful not to disturb it too much, but there's a good chance this pup will eventually haul out on its own, and when it does we might be able to catch it."

About 10% of the casualties dealt with by the sanctuary are pups with injuries from netting or those that have become entangled in marine litter.

Volunteers from the British Divers' Marine Life Rescue organisation have offered to help keep an eye out for the seal.

Members of the public are being reminded not to attempt to rescue the seal pup on their own.

"It is a wild animal, so the best thing is to contact us straight away," the sanctuary said.