The marine mammal, typically discovered living by the seaside, was found “chilling” by the water’s edge at Peterborough Rowing Lake, Cambridgeshire. Nature fan Jen Cowley, 36, who took the images of the adult typical seal, said she was shocked to see it while walking with her family on Friday (4 August) at 5.30pm.
They were then able to observe the calm animal for around 40 minutes – apparently unbothered by swans and other birdlife – and chose to call it Bert. She said: “We saw the seal from a distance. It was a shock to see it there by the rowing lake. It was just sitting there chilling.
“It must have come from the sea. It kept yawning – that’s why I got a photo with its mouth open. It wasn’t aggressive. The swans kept hissing at it, but then they just went away. It didn’t react to them. I imagine it’s just been eating the fish in the lake.”
Jen said she had actually reported the seal to a regional sanctuary over her issues that it had a hurt eye. But they said the animal looked ‘healthy and happy’ while including that it was very important to keep her range.
A representative from the RSPCA said: “It is not uncommon for seals to discover their method into harbours or rivers and they have actually been understood to take a trip inland rather some range.
“Seals are strong, effective wild animals and have an extremely nasty bite which can trigger dreadful injuries, which might end up being contaminated by the germs that reside in a seal’s mouth.
“If you see a seal on land, please do not try to encourage them back into the water as seal pups may haul out to rest, or if they’re unwell. Feeding them should also be avoided as this may do more harm than good.
“If you are concerned about them, observe from a distance for at least 24 hours.”
