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© Nathaniel Gore/PAThe sunbathing seal
A sunbathing seal has been spotted in a river 40 miles from the sea in Cambridgeshire.

Nathaniel Gore, 33, was out walking near his home in St Ives on Sunday when he spotted the animal splashing around in the water.

The editorial project manger stopped to film the seal and said it was not put off by the attention.

He added: "I've heard stories of seals being found inland before and he seemed perfectly happy so I wasn't too concerned.

"I stopped for about 20 minutes and he seemed to be enjoying the attention. He was splashing around in the water and sunbathing by the side of the river. I was able to get within three feet and it was a great sight to stop and enjoy."


In 2013, another seal was found 50 miles from the sea in Fen Drayton Lakes, near St Ives. It is believed the animal swam along the Great River Ouse from Norfolk.

While the animals often survive quite happily before returning to their habitats, one seal found in a field in Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, shortly before Christmas was not so lucky.

The animal, later named Dumbledore, died at the RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre, Norfolk, in January after suffering from pneumonia.