DON’T BE SEAL-LY: While they might look cuddly, seals are predators that will not hesitate to bite if threatened. It is important to keep a safe distance. (Supplied Photo)
As seal season is well underway, officials with the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine are reminding people to stay a safe distance from any seals they may encounter on local beaches.
There have been several recent cases of people and their dogs getting far too close to seals, endangering both the seals and themselves.
Seals are federally protected animals under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Under this law, it is illegal to disturb a seal’s natural behaviors. Seals haul out on land for much-needed rest after hunting and swimming long distances. The presence of people and dogs nearby causes stress and may force a seal back into the water before it is ready.
Over the past week, several amateur and professional photographers have flooded social media groups with photos and videos of seals taken at a close distance, revealing exact locations of resting animals on the beach. This has attracted crowds around resting seals, causing further disturbance and harassment of the animals.
A video has even surfaced of someone touching a seal. Several healthy seals have had to be relocated to remote beaches by officials at the MMSC due to the harassment by people and off-leash dogs.
Currently, the MMSC is caring for two seals at the Brigantine facility. While it is not uncommon to have seals coming into the MMSC this time of year, Founding Director Bob Schoelkopf said, as of right now, they are rehabilitating fewer seals than average for this time of year, but are responding to significantly more calls for sightings.
With the recent break in the weather enticing more people to enjoy the beach, the MMSC is anticipating an increase in calls. With more people on the beach, the seals are at risk of disturbance.
It is important to remember seals are predators with sharp teeth and will not hesitate to bite. Seals also carry communicable diseases that can be passed on to both humans and dogs.
If a seal or other marine mammal is spotted on the beach:
• Call the MMSC immediately at 609-266-0538.
• Stay at least 150 feet away from the animal (the length of three school buses).
• Keep dogs away from the animal.
• Never post locations of seals on social media.
For over four decades, MMSC has been the only organization in New Jersey dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick and injured marine mammals. To date, staff and volunteers from the MMSC have responded to more than 5,600 calls for seals, dolphins, whales and sea turtles that washed ashore along all of New Jersey’s beaches.
The nonprofit is able to do this important work only thanks to the support of the community and generous donations. To learn more about the MMSC or to donate, visit mmsc.org. —M.M.D.
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