Seal Pup Spotted In Stratford: Here’s What To Know

STRATFORD, CT — The Stratford Animal Control is advising residents that a grey seal pup has been resting on shore in Stratford.

“For the seal’s safety, the exact location is not being shared, as it must be left alone,” the animal control wrote in a post on Facebook on Thursday evening. “This announcement was shared because we are receiving a high volume of calls.”

Officials said that the seal’s exact location is not being released.

“For the safety of both the animal and the public, please do not go looking for the seal, approach it, interfere with it, or attempt to touch it,” officials wrote. “The seal is being appropriately monitored by trained professionals, and no public assistance is needed at this time.

“The Mystic Aquarium rescue hotline has been notified, and trained volunteers are actively monitoring the seal and will intervene if assistance becomes necessary.

“It’s normal for seal pups to rest alone on shore. This is called ‘hauling out,’ and it allows them to conserve energy, warm up, and rest. In many cases, the mother is nearby in the water and will return.

“Taking a seal pup away too soon can do more harm than good. That’s why trained marine mammal experts monitor the animal from a distance and only intervene if there are clear signs of injury, illness, or danger.”

The seal is being monitored by professionals from Mystic Aquarium, and no public interaction is needed, according to officials.

Anyone with questions or concerns can contact Mystic Aquarium’s Animal Rescue Hotline at 860-572-5955 ext. 107.

“There is no need to call the police or Animal Control at this time,” the animal control said.