Sammy the pregnant seal shot by speargun, charity fear

Sammy was found injured at Brixham Harbour in Devon
Sammy was found injured at Brixham Harbour in Devon Credit: Sarah Greenslade / SWNS.com

A female seal believed to be pregnant has sparked concern after being shot by what seems to be a speargun.

The seal was last spotted swimming at Brixham Harbour in Devon on Sunday afternoon, with a two-foot-long spear protruding from her back.

The seal, nicknamed “Sammy”, is known by local residents for playing in the water by the harbour. Believed to be heavily pregnant with a pup, medics have not been able yet to locate her to properly determine the manner and severity of her injuries.

The seal is believed to be heavily pregnant
The seal is believed to be heavily pregnant Credit: Sarah Greenslade / SWNS.com

Devon and Cornwall Police do not yet know whether the injury was an intentional act  by a hunter or a mistake, but have said they are investigating the attack as an "attempt to commit an offence under the Conservation of Seals Act 1970".

Worried locals are now encouraging anyone with knowledge of the seal’s whereabouts to step forward. However, wildlife experts have warned that anyone who spots the likely-pregnant seal - who could weigh up to 250kg, having gained weight for pupping season - should report the sighting without intervening themselves.

Leading the search for the seal is the British Divers Marine Life Rescue charity. Their spokesman, Dan Jarvis, said that although they are unsure about whether or not she was wounded deliberately, it is vital to gauge the extent of the damage.

Sammy could weigh up to 250kg
Sammy could weigh up to 250kg Credit:  Sarah Greenslade / SWNS.com

He added: "We're not entirely sure how deep it goes, but yes hopefully it's not too bad in that she's still able to swim around and dive quite ably. It's likely that she's heavily pregnant with a pup as well.”

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