Seal Pup Advisory

A report issued on Feb. 28 advises beach-goers to avoid contact with seal pups, because of the potential harm contact could cause to them.

Newborn harbor seals, which are born in winter and pop up on the beaches in the spring, are often unintentionally separated by beach-goers who think the seals have been abandoned by their mothers.

Officials from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration's Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary say that it's the tendency of mother seal pups to leave their babies alone on the beach while they're in the ocean feasting, so they can later return to nurse.

Officials also note that the presence of humans and dogs can prevent mother seals from reuniting with their pups and could subsequently lead to pup deaths.

Wildlife experts recommend keeping a distance of at least 300 feet from seal pups.

Sanctuary marine biologist, Jan Roletto, advises people to avoid eye contact and back slowly away from seal pups in the case of encounters.

There's another reason not to interfere: Seals are protected under the federal Marine Mammal
Protection Act. Interference with the animals could result in legal penalties.

Concerned beach-goers who wish to report an orphaned or injured seal are encouraged to contact a park ranger or the Marine Mammal Center, at 415-289-SEAL (7325).

— Bay City News Service