Seals

Keepers at Northern Ireland's only seal rescue centre are asking people to not touch seal pups.

An animal rescue service said touching the pups can affect scent, which plays a large role in the bonding experience.

The seals are released into the wild following treatment after they were found severely underweight.

The population fell by 20% over five years, in a region considered a stronghold for the marine mammal.

Cumbria Wildlife Trust has told people to stay away from the South Walney seal colony.

Sixteen rehabilitated seal pups are tracked as part of a study examining their movements.

The pup is improving after being found on an inaccessible beach, rescuers say.

Cleethorpes Wildlife Rescue says the onlooker was right to raise the alarm over her concerns.