THE only way is Essex for these bronzed seals who appear to be wearing fake tan.
The marine mammals were spotted basking on mud at Hamford Water Estuary, Essex, sporting an orange glow.
But despite the county's fondness for fake tan, the seals have actually acquired their colouring from rust.
Mark Iley, the Bio-Diversity Coordinator for Essex Wildlife Trust, said: "They get a curious lining of orangey red colour because they lie in salt environments.
"Their hair becomes died, a bit like Henna, it takes on oxidation from the mud.
"It's unique to Essex and south east England where there are salt water marshes."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel