IF YOU FIND A SEAL ON THE SHORE :

• Seals spend a large amount of time out of the water so just because a seal is on the beach it does not necessarily mean that anything is wrong : watch it for a while to see if it really needs help.
  
  
• If it is an adult seal (more than a metre and a half in length) stay well clear : seals are wild animals and adults should be treated with healthy respect. If it is sick or injured, call the number below.
  
  
  
• If it is a pup (around a metre in length or less) still stay clear - even sick pups can and will bite. Look out to sea for signs of the pup's mother : if you see her, leave the pup alone and stay well clear to allow her to come back for her baby or for the pup to join her in the sea. Do not get in between mother and pup. Ask other people to stay clear too, and ask them to keep their dogs under control and away from the seal.
  
  
  
• Never 'help' a seal pup back into the sea : if the pup appears abandoned or if it is small, thin, coughing or sneezing or looks injured or ill, try to stop it going back into the water and call the number below. If possible, stay with it so rescuers can find it on the beach - seals are very well camouflaged and can be difficult to spot!

IF YOU FIND A CETACEAN (WHALE, DOLPHIN or PORPOISE) ON THE SHORE :

• It definitely does not belong there! Unless it is clearly dead, report it as soon as possible and let the experts decide: ring the number given below without delay. Give as much detail as you can.
  
  
• While waiting for help to arrive, approach the animal carefully and calmly, avoiding its teeth and tail. Keep it cool and wet by dousing it with seawater. Make sure no water enters its blowhole (on the top of its head) - all cetaceans are air-breathing mammals and will drown if you get water in the blowhole.
  
  
• Keep dogs and crowds away and keep noise and movement to an absolute minimum to avoid stressing the animal further, and do not attempt to drag, push or otherwise move the animal.
  
  
• When help arrives, please follow instructions given by the medics on scene. Your assistance could prove invaluable.
  
  
• If you have touched the animal, wash your hands thoroughly afterwards.
  
  
• Obviously dead animals should not be touched but should be reported to the National Strandings Coordinator at the National History Museum : 0207 942 5155 or by email to strandings@nhm.ac.uk