A young seal pup which was rescued from the shore at Tayvallich in Mid Argyll is in the care of the Scottish SPCA.
The animal welfare charity was alerted to the seal after a concerned member of the public spotted him while out on a walk.
The pup, called Alex by the charity’s wildlife team, is being looked after at the National Wildlife Rescue Centre in Alloa.
Inspector Yvonne Inglis said: “Every year we care for more than 100 seal pups rescued from all over Scotland.
“Seal rescues this far north can be particularly difficult as so many factors come in to play, including securing transport.
“I was exceptionally grateful to receive support from Mark Carter from Marine Concern, and his daughter Tierney, who helped me ensure Alex had enough fluids before taking on the journey to our centre.”
Centre manager Colin Seddon added: “Alex is currently doing well and is being fed on a diet of liquidised fish which is being fed by syringe and tube.
“We’ll move him on to solid fish once he’s a bit older and will continue to monitor his weight before releasing him back into the wild at a carefully chosen site.”
Mr Carter from Marine Concern said: “Thanks to the folk in Tayvallich who took the correct action when finding a potentially stranded/abandoned seal, they tracked down help, kept away and observed. Seals can bite; they can carry pathogens, which may adversely affect dogs and humans.”
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call the Scottish SPCA animal helpline on 03000 999 999.
