With adorable footage captured of a seal frolicking on the Kent coast, there is uncertainty over what to do if beachgoers come into contact with one.

As advised by British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), here is everything you should know about the marine mammals.

Where might I see a seal?

The carnivorous semi-aquatic animals have been spotted all over the county in coastal areas including Folkestone, Whitstable and Deal, as well as more central areas such as Maidstone.

In October last year, one was seen relaxing on land next to the River Medway, in the town centre.

While grey seals can be seen resting at off-shore sandbanks, the harbour seal is most likely to be seen around Kent, due to our shallow seas and estuaries.

Only yesterday, one was seen on the beach in Folkestone.

A family was walking along the promenade when they spotted the animal.

They were then able to capture an impressive which they later shared on Facebook.

In the clip, the seal appears to be posturing in such a way it looks similar to the way a human waves.

But this, in turn, sparked debate among Folkestone residents on what they should do if they come across a seal.

What to do if you come into contact with a seal

“Although they may look cute – they can bite and should be treated with caution.”

That’s the advice from experts at (BDMLR) on seals.

Anyone who sees a seal when out, should not go too close, despite their cute appearance.

A spokesperson from BDMLR says seals should be observed from a safe recommended distance of 100 metres.

They also say that anyone who is walking their dog and comes into contact with them should keep their dog on a lead. Equally, children should be kept away from seals.

This is because experts want people to know that although they look “cute”, they are wild animals and should be treated with caution as they can and will bite if they feel threatened.

What to do if the seal looks injured

If a seal appears to be injured or there is concern for its welfare, the BDMLR team should be called on 01825 765546.

After this, a brief description of where the animal is and how they are injured should be given so a volunteer marine mammal medic can check on it.

People should not attempt to move or drag the animal as this could harm and distress them, and they may bite.

What do BDMLR volunteers do?

BDMLR is the body you contact if you see an injured seal.

In December, KentOnline reported on a hurt pup which was rescued by marine medics in Deal.

The white-coated pup had an ulcerated eye, a damaged flipper and was too young and skinny to survive alone, even if uninjured.

It was subsequently taken to Mallydams Wood RSPCA for treatment and recovery.

Marine mammal volunteer medics Alex Levine and Cam Molland helped the seal to safety. They said that they observed the pup from a safe distance and took photos which they sent back to HQ.

After this, they were advised that the animal needed to be picked up due to his poorly condition and a place for it would be held at the rehabilitation centre.

Medic Alex Levine explained that seals can carry all sorts of bacteria and grey seals are feisty even when small, so she wore protective clothing to pick the pup up. After her colleague arrived, the mammal was transferred to the rehab centre.

RSPCA staff then took care of the pup, which they named Macaroni. They treated him by giving him pain medication, antibiotics and medicated eye drops to treat the eye ulcer.

He was also checked by a vet daily and tube-fed because of how young he was at the time.

What to do if a seal pup is alone

Seal pups are only looked after by their mother for three to four weeks and after that, they are on their own and will often be seen away from other seals.

Grey seal pups are born during the winter so pups seen on their own at this time of year are not expected to have their mother nearby.

Therefore, people should contact BDMLR if they have concerns for the seal pups’ welfare due to injury or if they appear to be younger than three to four weeks.

More information

More information can be found on the BDMLR website.

The rescue hotline number is 01825 765 546.