Cold (and wet) case - warning - dead things

[British Red]

Saw a dead seal today...couldn't get too close as it was in a marsh creek bed. I guess it could have floated in on the tide - I don't know this spot, but the creeks don't get very deep normally. Its around a large bird reserve so I suspect it hasn't been there long. I can't think of many natural predators (or see much sign of attack)...so ..how?


Dead Seal by British Red, on Flickr


Dead Seal side by British Red, on Flickr


Dead Seal Front by British Red, on Flickr

Red

 

[Cyclingrelf]

Got lost and died of starvation?

 

[British Red]

Could be - there are seals around here in smallish groups. I'm no seal expert but it looks like a young one to me?

 

[Retired Member southey]

Could have been lost by it's mum, are you near Donna nook? seem to remember a news story about walkers disturbing the colony, mum and pup get separated and are not that good at locating each other, so the pup starves and dies. could be a cause?

 

[Retired Member southey]

In fact, here is the story. Donna nook beach

 

[JonathanD]

Dead seals float really well because of the blubber. They get washed up all around the coast and as you say Red, it's a young one. And the mortality rate is high this time of year.

 

[British Red]

Not that close to Donna Nook southey but I guess something similar happened here. Shame - its nice to have seals around. Still - thats nature for you

 

[JonathanD]

Not that close to Donna Nook southey but I guess something similar happened here. Shame - its nice to have seals around. Still - thats nature for you

I bet it is being recycled right now and will certainly prolong many other creatures lives. They don't half honk if they've been floating for a while.

 

[British Red]

True. There is a tern and gull colony within a few hundred yards....it'll be consumed right enough. Some hen harriers there too. Would be nice to think it might let them manage an extra clutch.