THE public is being urged to leave seals alone after an injured seal died from complications in Fishcross.

The injured animal had been taken to the national wildlife centre after being found with a gash on its head.

An animal rescue officer was called out earlier this month to treat the injured seal pup with a gash on their head at Roseisle. A member of the public admitted to having thrown the seal back into the water, with the rescue officer unable to locate the animal.

The following weekend, another report of an injured seal came in from Portgordon, and it was taken to Fishcross for treatment.

Lynn Cruickshank, animal rescue officer, said: “I attended and collected the pup who had a gash at one side and a large lump, which I suspected was an abscess, on his neck.

“I took him to our National Wildlife Centre to be checked over but sadly the seal died from his injuries.

“Had this seal been left alone to be assessed by our team when he was first spotted, it’s possible he would have survived.

“Sadly, this seal has gone on to suffer with his injuries for a further week which could have been avoided.

“Approaching a seal is also potentially dangerous as seals are wild animals and can inflict a nasty bite when scared or in pain.

“If you are unsure whether a seal needs our help, please monitor them from a safe distance.

“If the animal has any visible signs of injury, looks generally unwell, or has been out of the water for 12 to 24 hours, please contact our helpline on 03000 999 999 for advice.”