A WILDLIFE enthusiast spotted a pair of seals relaxing in Poole Harbour while out on a boat trip.

Keen photographer Shazz Hooper captured this perfectly-timed shot of the seals gazing towards the camera as they lounged on a pontoon.

A number of the mammals have been sighted along the Dorset coast recently.

However, not all of them share the same shade of orange as one of the seals in this picture.

A study carried out by Essex Wildlife Trust this year found seals there had taken on an orange tinge after resting in mud containing particles of iron oxide.

Rust attaches itself to the seals’ fur, which over time turns orange.

When they moult their fur, it will grow back in its normal grey colour.

Shazz said she was “very happy” with the picture she took of the seals.

“They are very lovely creatures. I’ve seen seals in Poole Harbour before, and on Wednesday morning I was on a bird-watching cruise around the harbour. We were out looking for Ospreys.

“The boat was going down one of the channels, and the seals happened to be on this pontoon. We didn’t get too close as we didn’t want to disturb them, so I used a telephoto lens to get the picture.

“They were just looking at the boat wondering what was going on.”

Two youngsters were thrilled to encounter a friendly seal while enjoying the shallows in Poole Harbour recently.

The animal, pictured close to Poole Yacht Club, came up to the children’s rubber dinghy to say hello.

Dorset Wildlife Trust has offered advice to seal spotters after a number of recent sightings. Sarah Hodgson, a volunteer at the Marine Reserve at Kimmeridge, said: “It is really exciting to encounter a seal; however, it is important to remember that these are wild animals and protected by law so their wellbeing must be your number one priority.”

To prevent causing stress to seals, the charity is reminding people to keep calm and quiet and use binoculars or zoom lenses to maintain a safe distance. They also urge people never to touch or feed a seal as they have sharp teeth and a nasty bite. If you have seen a seal you can report it to the Marine Reserve at Kimmeridge on 01929 481044.