The Manx Wildlife Trust has issued a warning ahead of the seal pupping season on the island.
People are being urged to keep their distance from the pups which can wash ashore along the island’s coast.
The wildlife group has shared a photo online stating that the first few seal pups have been spotted on the Calf of Man.
MWT released a statement, saying: ’If you see a seal pup alone on a beach do not approach and put all dogs on a lead.
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’Mothers will leave their pups, sometimes for hours, but will come back for them. They will however abandon pups if they feel threatened.’
They added: ’Young seals that have their own spots will have been weaned, but will haul up for rest, these are not to be approached either.’
The group has a dedicated team of seal sitters who will go out and observe pups, from a distance, in public places to ensure they are not disturbed.
A ’Seal Code of Conduct’ is available on the MWT website. If you see a pup on a very public beach, or an injured or sick seal, contact the MWT directly on 568726 or 450879.