Injured Young Seal Has 'Healthy Appetite' After Jersey Shore Rescue

SURF CITY, NJ —A young harbor seal is on the road to recovery, after being found injured on the beach on Christmas Day with a likely shark bite.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center gave an update Tuesday on the seal, who was found "badly injured" in Surf City last week. The male, likely born last spring, had a large laceration on his left hip, and multiple smaller wounds on his abdomen and around his tail, officials said. The center's veterinarian said he likely was attacked by a shark.

Stranding center officials said the seal has started eating on his own and has "a very healthy appetite," consuming close to 5 pounds of herring and capelin per day. The seal is still resting in the center's intensive care unit.

"We are also happy to share that his wounds are starting to show improvement," the center said. "Thank you to all of our wonderful supporters who have shared his story and contributed to his care, we appreciate you all so much!"

Click here to see the latest update on the seal's recovery.

Seals are a common sight on Jersey Shore beaches in the winter. In a previous social media post, the center reminded beachgoers that seals need to rest and if seen on the beach, and people and pets should be kept at least 150 feet away from them. If you see a seal in distress, you can call the center's 24/7 hotline at 609-266-0538.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center asks that you donate to help them care for this seal and others they will take in during seal season. You can find more information here.

Patch's Veronica Flesher contributed to this report.