AN orphaned grey seal pup is now being cared for in Fishcross.

The animal was found alone on an Aberdeenshire beach and is now in the care of the Scottish SPCA in Clackmannanshire.

Only a few days old, the seal pup was discovered on Newburgh Beach last week and is now in safe hands after being rescued and taken to the animal welfare charity's National Wildlife Rescue Centre, where she has been named Snowy.

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser:

Colin Seddon, centre manager, said: “Snowy is our first grey seal pup of the season, which will last until March or April next year and usually sees us treat over 100 injured or orphaned pups.

“Snowy is currently being rehydrated and then she will be fed a diet of fish soup. Following that, she will be moved onto a diet consisting of whole fish and will be moved into one of our large outdoor pools with other seals until she reaches release weight.

“We’ve no doubt she’ll be joined by many more seal pups in the coming weeks and months.”

Alloa and Hillfoots Advertiser:

Colin is urging everybody to contact the Scottish SPCA if they see a distressed pup, saying: “Anyone concerned about a seal pup, including any who appear injured, are found on public beaches or are spotted in unusual places such as non-breeding areas, should give us a call before approaching them.

“We are often contacted about seal pups that are healthy but have been abandoned by their mothers because someone has disturbed them.”

To contact the charity regarding a seal pup or any other wild animal call 03000 999 999.