Harbor Seals

Related Links 2012 Seal Tagging Expeditions Harbor Seals Share the Shoreline

As NOAA scientists conduct the annual spring harbor seal population survey, they are noting unusually high numbers of seal pups for this time of year.  Typically, harbor seals tend to give birth in May and June along the Northeastern U.S. coast, but this year, harbor seal pups were reported as early as March. NOAA is issuing this reminder to view wildlife responsibly, so that both seals and humans can safely share the shoreline.

 “While it is not clear why the pupping season began so early this year, since harbor seals tend to use rocky islands, ledges or sandy beaches to give birth or just rest, chances of encountering a seal is greater, so it is really important that you don’t approach, handle or feed them,” said Mendy Garron, marine mammal stranding coordinator for the Northeast Region of NOAA Fisheries Service. “Even though they look cute, these are wild animals and getting too close puts the animal, humans and pets at risk.” 

A disturbed seal can bite and even transmit diseases like distemper virus or rabies to humans and pets.  In other instances, a disturbed seal may abandon its pup to flee an approaching human or dog.  If this happens and the pup is nursing, it will not survive.  However, a female seal is more likely to return to reclaim her pup if the disturbance near the pup goes away.  Observing the animal from a distance is the best way to avoid disturbing it or being injured.

Under federal law it is illegal and punishable by law to pick up, handle or interact with free-swimming, dead or beached marine protected species. This includes seals, whales, dolphins, porpoise, sea turtles and manatees.  Penalties for harassing these animals can be up to $50,000 and a year in jail.  To report incidents of people or pets tormenting, disturbing or attempting to remove a seal from the beach, contact the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline (1-800-853-1964).

What to do when encountering a seal on a beach:

• Stay at least 150 feet away from it. Pup’s mothers may be just around the corner;
• Don’t handle it, and keep other people and dogs away;
• Call a local marine mammal stranding network member;
• Visit NOAA’s Northeast Region website (http://www.nero.noaa.gov/prot_res/stranding) for local contact information; OR
• Call NOAA Fisheries Service’s stranding hotline at 1-866-755-NOAA (6622).

NOAA’s mission is to understand and predict changes in the Earth's environment, from the depths of the ocean to the surface of the sun, and to conserve and manage our coastal and marine resources. Visit us at http://www.noaa.gov or on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/usnoaagov.