Wildlife officers have rescued a grey seal after it was found tangled in netting on a north-east beach.
The bull seal was discovered wrapped in green fishing wire on the popular beach at Cruden Bay.
It took three officers from the Scottish SPCA to transport the creature to the charity’s care centre at Drumoak, near Banchory. A further three members of staff then assisted in cutting the seal free from the nets.
Last night Scottish SPCA chief inspector John Carle said: “The amount of netting tangled around the seal’s neck was the largest I have ever seen.
“He was so large and heavy it took three of our officers to lift him and take him to our centre in Drumoak where we cut the net away.”
Ch Insp Carle explained that becoming trapped in the netting could have cost the grey seal it’s life.
He added: “If he hadn’t been discovered and freed, the net would eventually have cut through his skin which could have resulted in septicaemia or other infections.
“Thankfully there were no injuries in this case and we were able to release him relatively quickly.
“It was a lovely moment watching the seal heading back into the water. This was a very happy ending and we’re so glad we were able to help.”
The animal was returned to the seashore in a pet carrier and gently steered back towards the North Sea.
Grey seals – which can grow to more than 200kg in weight and live for more than 25 years – are found along the Aberdeenshire coastline.
The beach at Newburgh, roughly eight miles south of Cruden Bay, is a busy site for the animals, which gather around the mouth of the Ythan estuary.
Scottish SPCA officer also visited the Buchan Coast in late March when the bodies of two mute swans were recovered near Cairnbulg.
It is believed the animals had been shot with a shotgun.
Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed animal should call the Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999.
