Seal spotted playing in River Wear without 'a care in the world'
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Billy Atkinson saw the creature at Chester-le-Street’s Riverside Park on two consecutive days, capturing some fantastic close-up pictures and video footage of the seal in action.
He told the Echo: “I've seen them this far up a couple of times when the river is in flood and they've followed the salmon and trout, but not that often.
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Hide Ad"It didn't have a care in the world and was quite happy playing in the fast water. It'll probably be here a couple of days before heading back to Sunderland.”
According to The Wildlife Trust, seals can often “haul out” on sandbanks and beaches to digest their food or have a rest from being at sea.
Common seals have also been known to swim up rivers in search of their next meal.
Dorinda Kealoha, Engagement Officer for Durham Wildlife Trust, said: “While grey and harbour seals are coastal mammals, it is not unheard of for them to swim upstream from time-to-time.
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Hide Ad"In this case, the seal is probably enjoying some freshwater fish, perhaps following some salmon migrating upstream at this time of year to spawn.
"We would urge people not to approach or feed seals, observe from a distance and keep dogs on leads.
"Healthy seals will be able to find their way back to the sea, however, if you do come across a seal which appears in distress or injured, please contact British Divers Marine Life Rescue on 01825765546 or www.bdmlr.org.uk or the RSPCA hotline 03001234999.”