Ecomare repeats warning: keep distance from seals on Texel beaches

Ecomare, the seal rescue and education center on Texel, issued another warning on Thursday urging beachgoers to maintain a safe distance from seals encountered during their walks. “We cannot stress this enough: please keep at least 30 meters away from seals on the beach!” the center said in a statement. The advisory also applies if a pup appears to be alone.

The warning follows an earlier advisory from Ecomare in December, when several newborn gray seals were reported on Texel’s beaches. At the time, the gray seal birthing season had just begun, and the center received numerous calls from visitors spotting the pups, described as “white and fluffy.” Unlike common seals, gray seal pups spend the first weeks of their lives on land, Ecomare explained.

Gray seal pups are born with a dense, white fur coat that hinders their ability to swim. For several weeks, the pups remain on the sand while nursing from their mothers. According to Ecomare, the shedding of this white fur signals the end of their dependency on maternal care. Once the fur is gone, the young seals are capable of swimming and hunting for food independently in the sea.

Despite their endearing appearance, Ecomare emphasized the importance of not disturbing the pups. “Even if a pup seems abandoned, it is crucial to leave it alone. The mother is often nearby and may be scared off by human presence,” the center noted.

Beachgoers who are concerned about a seal’s condition are encouraged to contact Ecomare directly. A staff member can then assess the situation and, if necessary, send a caretaker to inspect the animal.