The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority (PCNPA) has given a warning to members of the public to stay clear of seal pups, respecting signs and closures after a pup vanished.

On Wednesday (September 16), a grey seal pup thought to be just two days old was found on a beach on Castlemartin Range.

“Our team put up ‘No Access’ signs and cordoned off the beach to protect it from disturbance,” said a spoksperson for PCNPA.

“On Thursday, the pup was sleeping peacefully. By Friday, there were human and dog footprints across the beach and the pup was gone.

“Further checks on Saturday and Sunday found no sign of it.

“We don’t know what happened to this pup, but the signs and cordon were there for a reason.

beach at Castlemartin range
“Please stay away from beaches, bays and coves where seals or pups are present. Keep dogs away and always respect signs, tape and cordons,” said a spokesperson for PCNPA, after footprints and dog paw prints were found on the beach (PCNPA)

“Grey seal pups have just three to four weeks with their mothers to build the reserves they need to survive independently. During this vulnerable time, they need space and peace.

“Please stay away from beaches, bays and coves where seals or pups are present. Keep dogs away and always respect signs, tape and cordons.

“No beach visit is worth putting a seal pup at risk. Please give seals and their pups space. Respect signs and beach closures,” they added.

The Welsh Government recently opened a consultation encouraging people across Wales to take part on new measures to protect seals and hares.

The consultation (which opened on September 21) and runs for four weeks, asks for views on two proposals - making it an offence to intentionally or recklessly disturb seals, and introducing a close season for hares, during which it would be illegal to injure, take or kill them.

A four-week consultation opens on 21 September seeking views on new measures to protect seals and hares
A consultation opens seeking views on new measures to protect seals and hares (Welsh Gov)

Wales is home to important grey seal breeding sites, where seals rest, moult and raise their pups. Disturbance can cause real harm, sometimes leading to mothers and pups becoming separated.

Unlike other game species, hares in Wales currently have no protected breeding season, meaning they can be killed at any time of year, including when females are pregnant or caring for young.

These proposals are intended to reduce avoidable harm to wild animals and close gaps in the current rules. Individuals and organisations can contribute to the consultation before decisions are made on how to proceed.

Farmers, land managers, fishers, conservation groups and members of the public are all encouraged to have their say.

The proposals form part of a wider effort to modernise and simplify wildlife law in Wales.

Welsh Government Cabinet Minister for Rural Resilience and Sustainability, Llyr Gruffydd, said: "I want people across Wales to have their say on these proposals. We've listened to concerns about the harm disturbance can cause to seals and their pups, and about the gap in protection for hares during their breeding season.

"We want everyone to be able to enjoy Wales's spectacular wildlife. The question is how we ensure they can do so responsibly.

"I'm keen to hear a wide range of views before we decide how best to move forward and would encourage everyone to fill out this new consultation."