What's Happening?
The Wild Wise Society has issued a reminder to visitors of the Sooke Basin to keep a safe distance from seals, particularly during the peak tourism season. The organization has observed kayakers and paddle boarders approaching seals too closely, causing distress to the animals. This behavior can lead to maternal separation, where seal pups are left vulnerable if their mothers are scared away. Wild Wise has developed educational materials to promote respectful wildlife interactions and urges the public to report any sick or injured seal pups to appropriate authorities.
Why It's Important?
Maintaining a safe distance from wildlife is crucial to prevent stress and disruption to their natural behaviors. The reminder from Wild Wise highlights the importance of coexistence and respect for wildlife, especially in popular tourist areas. Educating the public on proper conduct around wildlife can help reduce human-wildlife conflicts and ensure the safety and well-being of native species.
