Update:
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Submitted on 2012/03/29 at 8:54 pm
Hi Everyone, Mendy Garron |
Updated at 9:29PM Baby Seal Still Stranded as of 4:45PM On Pavilion Beach Gloucester MA
Update:
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My View of Life on the Dock
Good Morning Gloucester 
Please report if someone helps it. I’m in PA and don’t get the local news there. 😥
Thank you!
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What’s being done for it?
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A lovely and informative volunteer from the N.E Aquarium, I believe was there and informed me that the pup was 1 to 2 weeks old and very healthy. Mom should be back by tomorrow and that everyone should just keep their distance.
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I’ve heard three different answers so far.
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Nothing should be done about it. Rule number one with seals, stay away. If you have to take photos use a long lens but if you get close enough so she lifts her head to look at you then you are way too close.
These yearling pups are on the beach because they are stressed out and tired. They may stay for a couple of tide cycles but they need rest. They cannot get it if they have to keep an eye out for people and especially dogs.
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Hi Everyone,
This seal is a harbor seal pup. Pupping season for this species begins in the spring from Maine to Massachusetts mainly, but pups have been documented as far south as New Jersey. Responders from New England Aquarium, authorized by NOAA, are monitoring this animal. The pup looks in very good condition, but will be monitored to see if the mother returns for continued nursing. Pups are on land to rest as they nurse and gain weight. It is very important that the mother returns to the pup. A lot of human activity near the pup may frighten the mother and cause her to abandon her pup, so please observe from a distance. New England Aquarium is monitoring the animal for any changes in health that may require intervention by Aquarium personnel. Further information on harbor seals can be found at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species/mammals/pinnipeds/harborseal.htm.
Mendy Garron
Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator
NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service
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Too bad the Whale Center of New England is closing its doors – it was nice to have such an organization on Cape Ann willing and able to respond to these calls, if only to just inform the public and protect the seal from dogs or those wanting a photo op. Also, a poke at the seal, aka harassment, will cost you about $10,000 per the MMPA, so be good people.
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At this point the pup is in good health and is not in need of intervention. We are monitoring it daily to be sure it does not decline. The best thing people can do is to leave it alone and stay back 150 ft. The rule of thumb is that if you can see the pup then the mother can see you. We absolutely do not want the mother to abandon the pup because humans flock down to see it. We have had that happen before and it is truly tragic.
Connie Merigo
New England Aquarium
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I did not realize that the Whale Center is closing. That is a shame. It was nice to be able to call someone locally. Is it because of a lack of funding?
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It eats lobsta! bad for joey’s guys. cute now but a pain later..
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it doesn’t eat lobsta! it eats the bait out of the lobsta traps!
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It’s so cute! Let’s hope it survives.
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