See Seals On NJ Beaches? Leave Them Alone, Wildlife Group Says

NEW JERSEY — A New Jersey animal rescue group is asking beachgoers to not approach wild seals if they see them along the water, and stay back 150 feet.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center, which is based in Brigantine, is asking people to give seals their space. If you see a seal on the beach or shoreline, the MMSC said, it probably just needs a rest.

"Remember your seal etiquette and keep people and pets at least 150 feet away from seals, more if they seem alert to your presence," the center said in a Facebook post. "DO NOT share their locations on social media, this only attracts more people and creates unnecessary stress for the animals."

Seals can hurt themselves rushing back to the water if they feel threatened, according to Save Coastal Wildlife.

The MMSC asks people to call them at (609) 266-0538 if they see a seal on the beach. The organization is dedicated to "the rescue, rehabilitation and release of marine mammals and sea turtles."

Several species of seals live on the Jersey Shore for part of the year according to Save Coastal Wildlife, which is based in Monmouth County. These species include the harbor seal, grey seal, and harp seal.

Seals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, so it is illegal to hurt or bother them.

Save Coastal Wildlife advises people not to "touch, feed, harass, bother, annoy, or take a selfie with a seal."

If you hear a seal vocalizing, see it looking right at you, or notice it waving its flippers and yawning a lot, this means you are too close, according to SCW.

Last week, a marine wildlife organization in Texas said a stranded dolphin died after people tried to ride and swim with her.