A Call to Practice Tough Love: The Importance of NOT Feeding Wild Seals

Photo Credit – Box photographed by Lesley Williams well away from st Ives Harbour!

In the serene harbours of Cornwall, a heart-wrenching story unfolded that casts a spotlight on the unforeseen consequences of human interaction with wild animals. 

The Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust shares the tale of Box, an adult female seal with a distinct fur pattern, known for her begging behaviour around St Ives Harbour. First spotted in 2007, Box’s story took a tragic turn last summer when she suffered severe injuries from a boat’s propeller in a desperate attempt to grab a fish. This incident not only endangered her life but also the life of her unborn pup, sparking widespread concern and highlighting the perilous reality faced by seals in harbours.

The Dangers of Feeding Wild Seals

The Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust urges the public to adopt a stance of ‘tough love’ when encountering seals begging for food. Feeding these wild animals alters their natural behaviour, making them obsessively seek food from humans and increasing their stress levels. Moreover, seals in harbours are at a high risk of sustaining life-threatening injuries from boat propellers and strikes, in addition to suffering organ failure due to exposure to diesel fumes.

Learning from Box’s Ordeal

Box’s ordeal serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of maintaining a respectful distance from wild animals. The Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust emphasises that feeding seals not only jeopardises their health and safety but also fosters a dependency that can lead to tragic outcomes. In response to Box’s story, the Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust produced a film titled ‘Food for Thought,’ featuring Ellie Bearcroft’s insightful documentary work and Catherine Hillier’s specially composed music, to educate the public on the dangers of feeding wild seals.

A Community’s Response

Following Box’s injury, the community rallied together, responding to the Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust’s call for seal photos in hopes of locating her. Fortunately, Box was eventually found alive, albeit with lasting injuries from her encounter. This incident has galvanised the Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust and the wider community to spread awareness about the critical need for ‘tough love’ in our interactions with seals and other wild animals.

A Call to Action

The Cornwall Seal Group Research Trust’s message is clear: Stop feeding seals! –  practicing tough love is essential for the wellbeing of seals like Box. By refraining from feeding these majestic creatures, we can help ensure their safety and preserve their natural behaviours. Box’s story is a compelling call to action for all of us to be good neighbours to the seals and wildlife that share our environment. By spreading the word and educating others, we can make a significant impact in protecting these vulnerable animals from harm.