A 'stupid' wild swimmer has been blasted after being caught on camera disturbing a group of protected seals at a Scots nature reserve.
The man was almost in touching distance of the animals and caused them to panic and stampede at the Forvie Nature Reserve in Aberdeeenshire in shock footage filmed last week.
The reserve is home to a massive array of wildlife including the cute aquatic creatures.
Signs have been put up warning people not to approach them as they can bite if they feel threatened and young pups are especially at risk of being crushed stampedes.
Since 2017 it has been an offence to disturb the seals at Forvie and it is estimated around a third of all grey seals in the world live in Scottish waters.
In the video the man can be seen swimming in the sea gets closer and closer to the each as the panic-stricken animals to dart into the water.
The Ythan Seal Watch charity monitors the beach and sent out a message to other would be swimmers not to approach them.
In a statement the group said the incidents should be reported to police.
It read: "The swimmer approached the seals from the seaward side and caused a stampede and the seals to leave the beach and flush into the water.
"These are both actions that can constitute harassment on the site and incidents like this should be reported to Police Scotland on 101 or using the very useful form we have linked below.
"It is the visitors responsibility when carrying out activities like this to research where they are doing them and what protection wildlife has.
"However new signs and interpretations will be provided with the upgrades at the car park. Incidents like this also help with what information is needed to prevent incidents like this.
"We also need to emphasise the dangers involved with this kind of activity. Swimming around a breeding seal haul-out approaching autumn dressed in black is not advisable and safe, despite how many videos on social media make that look to be the case.
"We hope that members of the wild swimming community will share this information and as always if you have any question on seal encounters and best practices (not just at they Ythan) you are more than welcome to contact us for advice. We have done this in the past and is one of the more positive aspects of what we do."
Locals were angered by the video.
One wrote: "How stupid can you get? Don't wish anyone ill but it would have been his own fault if he got bitten and I hear they are risky bites for infections."
Another added: "Seals have attacked dogs in the past, and with any pups around, seals will go for anything they feel threatened by."
Wildlife Crime Liaison Officer, PC Hannah Haywood, said people should keep their distance from wild animals.
She said: "It is understandable that people want to watch the wildlife which lives in our waters and on the coastline but it is vitally important that this is done responsibly without disturbing the animals.
"We would recommend anyone watching marine wildlife keep their distance and follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code. This offers practical guidance for everyone who watches marine wildlife around Scotland, whether they are on the shore or at sea – and will help you stay within the law.
"We would encourage anyone witnessing a suspected crime to contact us."
