Seal Visits Long Branch Beach; Be Careful, Officials Say

LONG BRANCH, NJ — Some people, and other mammals, prefer the beach when it's empty. One seal enjoyed the beach Friday evening in Long Branch.

Local resident Brian Shea witnessed the seal. He also kept a safe distance — about 50 meters, he said.

Many seals return to the Jersey Shore during the colder months. Harbor seals can be seen as far south as the Carolinas but are primarily concentrated off New Jersey, according to Pete McCarthy, a park ranger with the National Park Service. They love New Jersey's cold and fish-filled waters.

Long Branch officials were excited to see the seal was just resting. But the City gave some advice for those who witness a seal:

• Seals can be aggressive and do bite. They're also federally protected, so keep a safe distance.
• This seal looks peaceful. But if you see a seal that looks injured or sick, contact the Long Branch Police Department at 732-222-1000. They will send out animal control officers.

If you come across a seal, don't reveal its precise location on social media.

"The absolute worse thing you can do is post a photo and location of a seal on social media," said Sheila Dean, a manager at the Marine Mammals Stranding Center. "They don't need people near them. They will run back into the water, or they might bite you."

Dean recommends staying 150 feet away from them.

Here's what the National Marine Life Center says:

• If the seal reacts to your presence, you're too close.
• Ask others to stay away, and keep dogs a safe distance.
• Observe the animal from a distance. Note its size, weight, markings, body condition and whether or not it has wounds. If you have a camera or camera phone, take a photo.

Read more: Seals Are Back Along The Jersey Shore

With reporting from Carly Baldwin/Patch

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