While walking along a beach in the UK this past September, Drustan Ward paused when he noticed what looked like a pair of eyes peeking out from a rock pool. Unsure whether the animal was stranded, he snapped a photo and sent it to British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) for advice.

At first glance, the seal was clear enough to Ward in person — but once in a photo, his camouflage was so effective that even trained experts needed a moment to spot him.

“This curious little fella took us a minute to find,” BDMLR later wrote in a Facebook post. “Though when you see this one, he’s quite obvious!”

Perfectly Hidden In Plain Sight

The seal’s ability to disappear into his surroundings is no accident.

“Like for other animals, seal camouflage is designed to allow them to blend into their environment and hide from predators,” a BDMLR spokesperson explained. “Different seals have different camouflage depending on their environment.”

Rock pools are actually common hangouts for seals, who use them to cool off or search for food. Still, experts note that in rare cases, seals can become trapped if the rocky edges are too high to climb over.

A Quick Check-Up

To make sure the animal was safe, BDMLR sent marine mammal medic Lizzi Larbalestier to check on him. Luckily, he wasn’t in any danger.

“[I]t was determined that this seal was happy and healthy,” the representative confirmed. “The rock pool also showed easy access, meaning the seal could come and go as they pleased.”

With that reassurance, the seal was left to enjoy his seaside hideout.

A Reminder For Beachgoers

Experts hope this story reminds people that seals don’t just live in the sea. They spend a great deal of time on land — resting, digesting meals, and sometimes even giving birth.

If beach visitors keep their distance and respect their space, camouflaged creatures like this little seal can continue living undisturbed along the UK’s coastlines.