North East Lincolnshire Council has urged residents not to approach seals on the beach over the coming weeks.
At this time of year, winter pups move from their breeding ground at Donna Nook to rest at Cleethorpes beach.
The council reminded people that many seals on the beach would be resting and did not need to be ushered back into the water.
It said disturbing seals could be dangerous and sometimes even fatal to them, as they could become distressed, which could damage their health and mean they use up energy they need to swim.
The authority also warned people that the wild animals could carry diseases, and cause injury to people if they felt threatened.
The council’s portfolio holder for environment, Henry Hudson, said: ‘While the young seals are still finding their way around, we are more likely to encounter them on our beach, which is their natural habitat.
‘They need to be left alone to rest after a hard day’s swimming and fishing until they’re ready to return home by themselves.’
