Essex Police are monitoring a seal at Rochford Reservoir as authorities and volunteers plan another rescue mission.
The force has released a video of the seal in the popular fishing lake, as it is attracting attention from visitors.
The force's wildlife unit tweeteed the video, saying: "The Rochford seal is protected by law!
"If you see anyone trying to injure then please call Essex Police, we are working with EP Rochford, Rochford District Council, BDMLR and others to monitor the seal, if you are concerned for its welfare call BDMLR."
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The Rochford seal is protected by Law!if you see anyone trying to injure then please call @EssexPoliceUK, we are working with @EPRochford @RochfordDC @BDMLR & others to monitor the seal 🦭, if you are concerned for its welfare call @BDMLR #opseabird#nature#observebutdontdisturb https://t.co/OQQOHNH4WS pic.twitter.com/IJW4Rzzd2y
— Essex Police - Rural, Wildlife & Heritage Crime (@EPWildlife) January 6, 2023
The seal is becoming popular among residents who have been visiting the reservoir to get a glimpse of it.
However, fishermen have been left fearing the hungry seal is “decimating” the area’s fishing stock.
One furious fisherman told the Echo he is worried it will not leave “until all the fish are eaten”.
The seal is believed to have been living in Rochford Reservoir sine December 12, happily eating the fish as it avoids being rescued and relocated.
Essex County Council, the Environment Agency and the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) have twice attempted to capture the seal.
The latest attempt, a two-day long "large-scale" rescue mission on Thursday and Friday, ended in failure after the animal escaped.
Another rescue mission is planned this week.
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