Grey Seal Pup That Crossed Route 35 In Brick Healthy, Safely Released

BRICK, NJ — A grey seal pup that decided to try to cross Route 35 in Brick has been released back into the wild, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center said Wednesday.

"Fortunately, she had no signs of injury or illness, and was not in need of rehabilitation," the center said in an update Wednesday. "On Tuesday afternoon the healthy seal pup was released back into the wild."

Staff at the stranding center said the pup, which had been found by a passer-by and Brick Township police as it was trying to cross Route 35 near Curtis Point Drive, was headed toward Barnegat Bay when it was found.

"The seal then entered the backyard of a home on Ocean Avenue, where she remained under the watchful eyes of the officers and an MMSC volunteer until our Stranding Technician arrived," the center said. Read more: Baby Seal Gets Helping Hand Crossing Route 35 From Brick Police

The female seal pup, which weighed 36 pounds, was held overnight to ensure it was healthy, the center said.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center said this is not the first time they have been called about a seal pup trying to cross Route 35 in that area, because the highway is close to both the ocean and Barnegat Bay.

"We have had many cases over the past 45 years of seals, especially grey seals, taking a wrong turn and wandering up beach access paths to backyards, parking lots, and roadways," the center said, adding it usually happens that one is in an unusual location at least once every seal season.

"These pups are born on islands, so when they get lost, their instinct is to keep wandering until they find a body of water," the center said.

If you encounter a seal, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center said it is important to remember that people should stay at least 150 feet away from the animal.

Seals are protected by state and federal laws and it is illegal to approach them or touch them.

"Most seals come onto the shore just to rest, and if you approach them, they may get scared and return to the sea before they are ready. If an injured seal returns to the water, they will not get the care they need," the center said.

Dogs should be kept away from the seals, as they will scare them and risk contracting any diseases the seal is carrying.

Sightings can be reported to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center 24 hours a day at 609-266-0538.

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