The Wildlife Trust's North Sea Wildlife Project

Rare seals visit delights wildlife charity

Northumberland Wildlife Trust - 24 May 2011

Northumberland Wildlife Trust is delighted that a rare bearded seal visited Beadnell Beach this weekend. This visit is the first ever record of a bearded seal to Northumberland since records began.

The young seal was spotted quite happily lying on the beach and appeared quite fit, fat and healthy.  Local wildlife tour guide Alan Tilmouth, from Northumbrian Wildlife Tours waited with the young seal for 90 minutes to ensure the tide washed it back into the sea and to safeguard it against dog attacks.

Kevin O’Hara, Conservation Officer with Northumberland Wildlife Trust and mammals expert said: “This seal was way off course as species of this type normally inhabit the waters around the Arctic.  Seals wander the seas and very often get blown off course and my guess is that the strong north westerly winds have altered the water currents and blown it here.  There was no cause for concern although it is very unusual for it to make an appearance on a beach in Northumberland.”

The bearded seal, also called the square flipper seal is found in and near the Arctic Ocean.  It’s most characteristic feature is the conspicuous and very abundant whiskers, which, when dry, curl very elegantly; this earless seal has four square flippers and thick bristles on its muzzle.

The bearded seal reaches about 2.25m (7.4ft) to 2.7m (8.9ft) in nose to tail length and from 275kg (606lb) to 340kg (750lb).  Both sexes are about the same size.

Ends

Notes to Editors
Photo Caption Bearded seal, photo Alan Tilmouth Northumbrian Wildlife Tours

Northumberland Wildlife Trust
Northumberland Wildlife Trust is the largest environmental charity in the
region working to safeguard native wildlife. One of 47 Wildlife Trusts across the UK, Northumberland Wildlife Trust has campaigned for nature conservation for over 40 years. It aims to inform, educate and involve people of all ages and backgrounds in protecting their environment in favour of wildlife and conservation.

Supported by over 13,000 individual and 100 corporate members in the region, Northumberland Wildlife Trust manages and protects critical species and habitats at over 60 nature reserves throughout Newcastle,
North Tyneside and Northumberland.

Media Contact:
Fiona Dryden, Communications Officer
Tel: (0191) 284 6884
Email: fiona.dryden@northwt.org.uk