A seal pup has been rescued from a Scots street after becoming separated from its colony having wriggled around 100 yards from the water.
Concerned members of the public spotted male pup clambering over rocks and making its way into Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire, at around 9.30pm on Tuesday December 6. The seal was first seen next to sculptures on Keith Place before being found on the town's High Street.
One local wrote on Facebook : "This wee seal pup is beside the sculptures beside Keith Place. It has clambered up over the rocks onto the boardwalk and was making its way onto the grass where there is a 'No Dogs' sign.
"I’ve called British Divers Marine Life Rescue as SSPCA didn’t answer their phone. Hopefully, someone will be out to guide this pup back to its mum."
Others reported the seal had made its way onto the High Street in the town overnight after being found in the middle of the busy road.
Exhausted and disorientated, the pup was rescued by Kirkton Vets at around 9.40am on Wednesday December 7, after being pictured lying on the pavement.
Stunned locals took to social media to post their relief that the galavanting seal had been rescued.
One wrote: "A seal pup on the street, unbelievable! So glad it's been rescued. Thank you to whoever has rescued it."
Another added: "They do travel a fair distance. My daughter and son-in-law are BDMLR medics and they rescued one from a fairly busy road a few years ago. Mum leaves them to go and feed and they wander off and lose their bearings. Wee souls."
A third said: "What a brave wee thing. So far to go."
A fourth wrote: "Omg, it had travelled quite a bit, since last night, when I reported it. I’m so glad it’s been rescued. Let’s hope she/he will be ok, to be released back into the sea. Thank you to Kirkton Vets for rescuing the pup."
Emma from Kirkton Vets told the Daily Record: "He is currently on his way to the SSPCA hospital where he will be rehabilitated and then released. I think this little one has got a bit lost. He was very underweight."
The vet has warned it is usually best for members of the public to leave seal pups alone as they have a dangerous bite and are usually only taking a rest while their mother is close.
She added: "If people find a seal pup most of the time you just need to leave them be. Most of the time they haul out to have a rest or haul out because their mum is off fishing.
"If people think a seal pup is in distress or needs help the first people to phone are the British Divers Marine Life Rescue, SSPCA or local vet practice. Don't let dogs or children near them as they can get very nasty infections from bites."
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