Seal-ed with a snuggle! Newborn pup is spotted with its mother on the beach
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Dozens of adorable newborn seal pups have been pictured snuggling up close to their mothers on a Norfolk beach.
The autumn months hail the start of pupping season, with this year proving no exception in Horsey.
More than 3,700 baby seals were born along the five-mile stretch of coast in Norfolk last year.
The seal population between Waxham and Winterton attracts thousands of visitors each winter as the young seals are weaned before re-entering the sea.
Large gatherings of grey seals are regularly seen dotted along the Norfolk coast, with animal lovers flocking to the area to observe the seals.
However animal charity advocates say the best way to watch the seals is from 'afar', as any disturbance to the animals can cause stress, energy loss, sleep deprivation, pain and injury.
Seal wardens and signs warning people not to get too close have been positioned around the area favoured by the grey seal colony.
The RSPCA has also issued guidance to anyone wanting to see the seals, advising them to 'stay back and observe from a distance'.
Snuggling seals: A mother and newborn grey seal pup cuddle on the beach at Horsey, Norfolk
Seal-ed with a kiss: The youngster looks up to its mother on the beach, which boasts a large population of the mammals
The RSPCA has issued guidance to anyone wanting to see the seals, advising them to 'stay back and observe from a distance'
Autumn hails the start of pupping season, with this year proving no exception in Horsey
More than 3,700 baby seals were born along the five-mile stretch of coast in Norfolk last year
Both common seals and grey seals, pictured here on the beach at Horsey in Norfolk, are protected by UK wildlife laws
Enthusiasts should aim to keep more than 100m (the length of a football pitch) away from the mother seals and pups.
If the animals are disturbed, the mother can flee into the sea and leave her pup behind, with some not returning to feed it.
The animal welfare charity also reminded people that it is against the law to pet, feed or generally interact with seals.
Both common seals and grey seals are protected by UK wildlife laws.
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