MEMBERS of the public in Cornwall and the Southwest are being warned to stay away from seals and their pups due to the beginning of pupping season. 

Pupping season has begun in Cornwall and the southwest and members of the public are being warned not to approach seals and their young as it may cause them distress and expend energy unnecessarily. 

Marine groups are advising members of the public to give the seals at least 200 metres of space if they come across them and to avoid causing them any unnecessary stress. 

In a statement posted on its social media page, the Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust said: "Pupping season has started in the southwest UK. It is important for all our volunteers, supporters and the public to be on high alert. Ideally, we don't post pup stories in real-time and we never name sensitive seal pupping sites online.

"Please stay off any beach where a seal is present.

"We need to stay at least 200+ metres offshore from pupping sites."

The group went on to explain that seals are not actively feeding at the moment, and are living off the fat reserves they built up over the summer season. 

In a seperate statement posted on its social media page, the Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust said: "They can't afford to be stressed or waste any energy as a result of us invading their space. Let's keep pupping sites ‘people free zones’."

In a statement uploaded on to its social media page, the Marine Mangement Organisation said: "Marine wildlife disturbances are on the rise. For some animals this can lead to unnecessary stress, interruption of rest and result in injury or death."