23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Wildlife
Life and death.

Mother seal defending her stillborn pup against hungry seagulls at Horsey Gap. The cow had just given birth to her pup, but it was stillborn. The beach was full of seagulls and they checked all the newborn pups. In spite of her pup being dead she vigorously defends the body of her pup.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 11.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Horsey, United Kingdom
Camera: Canon EOS R6
Copyright: © Natascha Coene