An appeal has been made for people to stay away from seal pups after one died when its mother was frightened away by visitors.

The pup had attracted a lot of attention after being spotted on the beach near Llangrannog, and its mother failed to return to feed.

The council said it had been disturbed and scared off by people "who wanted to take pictures and 'selfies' with the seal pup."

The council put up signs and handed out leaflets asking people to leave it alone, but said warnings were ignored and the animal died.

During the breeding season, from August to December, white seal pups are often seen alone on beaches or rocky outcrops along the coast.

The mother, however, is usually close by, so people are always urged to keep their distance so she can return to her pup to feed it.

Melanie Heath, SAC Officer for Cardigan Bay said: “Seal pups need space and time to rest and grow.

"They are fed by their mothers’ for just three weeks before they have to fend for themselves.

"It is vital that during this time they are given space. Disturbance can lead to abandonment and death.”

According to the Welsh Partnership of Marine Protected Areas, wildlife disturbance has increased as more people have been visiting the coast.

Seal pups stay on the shore for three weeks and the mother will come up onto the shore to feed the pup every two to four hours.

A strong bond forms between the mother and their pup from birth, and the mother can recognise her pup from its smell and its call.

Councillor Rhodri Evans, Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration said: “It is very important to remember that these beautiful iconic creatures are wild animals.

"So keep your distance and enjoy from afar.”

Pups will suckle from their mother for 21 days, five to six times a day, for up to 10 minutes at a time.

From birth to three-weeks-old, a pup may gain up to three pounds a day feeding on its mother’s nutrient-rich milk.

Atlantic grey seal pups are born with a fluffy white coat, and it is important that they are not chased into the sea as they are poor swimmers.

If there are people on the beach, the mother will not come up and feed the pup, and disturbance can result in the pups being abandoned, and dying from malnourishment and dehydration.