Visitors to a scenic Scots nature reserve are 'repeatedly' disturbing a protected colony of seals.
Forvie Nature Reserve, in the north-east, 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.
Since 2017 it has been an offence to disturb the seals at Forvie.
Dogs also pose a risk to the animals and visitors have been told to keep a good distance away.
Ythan Seal Watch (YSW) used to police the policy until the start of March where it was taken over by NatureScot, formerly Scottish Natural Heritage.
Around a third of all grey seals in the world live in Scottish waters.
In a statement YSW, said it had not been 'a good weekend' for the seals and warned there could be legal action.
It read: "For all that are asking Naturescot are responsible for the Seals, the visitors and their ongoing harassment of the Seals.
"Going by the pictures and video we have seen so far it was It was not a good weekend for the wildlife.
"Naturescot apparently pride themselves in listening to science and the balance of people and wildlife...
"Visitors continue to ignore the signs on the reserve, repeatedly disturb the seals and walk away unchallenged.
"Naturescot have been advised in an email that this is not continuing and if something isn’t done to tackle this when the haul-out opens at the beginning of August either by preventing the disturbances or by dealing with the visitors who do it accordingly we will be taking steps to deal with it and Naturescot are aware of what these are.
"In the meantime please continue to report any witnessed disturbances to Police Scotland on 101.
"If all goes well we will be surprising some visitors on Forvie who ignore the signs and disturb the seals this weekend."
NatureScot have previously issued detailed advice on protection of seals at the reserve- advising visitors to keep a good distancce away and avoiding sudden movements.
A spokeswoman said: "“The Ythan is one of 194 seal haul-out sites designated by Marine Scotland. This designation offers the seals a level of protection, making it is an offence to intentionally or recklessly harass a seal at a haul out. If any members of the public think there is reckless or deliberate harassment of seals at a haul out site they should report the incident to Police Scotland.
“As land managers of Forvie National Nature Reserve, part of our role is to promote responsible behaviour at the nature reserve so that visitors can safely enjoy watching seals on the Ythan and avoid disturbing them.
“Our website advises that the best viewing spot is on the south side of the water at Newburgh beach, looking across to the haul out site on the reserve. This offers the best view of the seals, and avoids the risk of disturbance. At our Waterside car park we provide the same information. A new viewing platform at Newburgh is planned for later this year, alongside car parking and path improvements, offering increased access for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility.
“During the Easter weekend, staff and volunteers will be on site to advise visitors.
“We keep our management under review and take advice from Marine Scotland, the local Outdoor Access Forum and Police Scotland on the best approach to visitor management and protection of the seal haul out site.”
