Locals have been issued with warnings after a cute little seal pup ended washed up on at sunrise on a popular beach.
The adorable pup landed ashore at The Cove in Greystones in Wicklow at the end of August and regulars to the scenic area were immediately concerned as to why the pup was on its own.
Caroline Whelan contacted The Seal Sanctuary who gave strict guidelines to stick to for anyone who might come across the majestic creature.
She told Dublin Live: "The Seal Sanctuary immediately warned anyone who visited the beach with dogs to keep them on a lead."
She added that although visitors might be tempted to get a picture with the seal, they have been advised to keep their distance with the pup.
"We were told that if we get too close to the seal, the mother may abandon it for good. So it's necessary not to get too close."
But, it's not irregular for the seal to be happily perched ashore at this early stage of its life either.
Caroline added: "They said it was very important for the pup to be on land at the moment to moult their white baby fur. They shouldn't really be in the water. The Sanctuary said that this one seems plump and healthy which is great."
The Seal Sanctuary concluded their guidelines by saying that "under no circumstance, should anyone touch the pup or try to lift it into the water".
They advised people to strictly follow these guidelines and to send them on photos if they come across the seal again.
