Concerns have been raised after a seal was found injured in the Exe Estuary last week. The resident grey seal had a cut in its side, believed to have been caused by a boat propeller.
South East Devon Wildlife shared the worrying discovery online and urged people who travel along the estuary to take extra care around seals and other wildlife. The organisation warned that when boats travel too quickly, seals may not have enough time to get out of the way.
South East Devon Wildlife said: “Please make sure to always slow right down when near wildlife and give them lots of space. “An animal is disturbed if it changes its behaviour because of your presence. This can stop them from doing their essential daily business of resting and feeding.”
Despite a 10 knot speed limit being in place on the Exe Estuary, South East Devon Wildlife pointed out that this can still be very fast when passing close to wildlife. The organisation said they reported the injured seal to the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, who advised that it would be in the seal's best interest to be left and let the salt water heal the wound, rather than catching the seal and causing "unnecessary stress".
Plea Issued After Grey Seal Slashed by Boat Propeller