Lost Baby Seal Released Friday

AMAGANSETT, NY — A lost baby gray seal pup who was found in Amagansett earlier this week was slated to be released Friday into Shinnecock Bay.

According to the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, a call came in Tuesday at 2 p.m. about the male gray seal, who was seen in Amagansett near Bendigo Road, by the Devon Yacht club.

A rescue team arrived on site before 5 p.m. and found East Hampton Town Police and patrons all trying to help the animal, the Riverhead Foundation said. It was decided, based on the distance to the water, that the team could not escort this animal without putting their hands on him, a release from the Riverhead Foundation said.

RFRMP’s Rescue Supervisor Maxine Montello determined that the animal should go back to their facility for bloodwork and a physical assessment. The blood values and overall health assessment were found to be in good standing, and the baby seal was very alert and active, the RFRMP said.

It's normal to see baby seals that are completely weaned from their mothers on the beach basking or resting, the Riverhead Foundation said.

"This animal unfortunately traveled too far from the water line and was unable to redirect itself," experts said.

This year, each of the marine mammals and sea turtles rescued by RFMRP will be named after ice cream flavors, RFMRP said.

The baby seal was named "Fudge Brownie," the release said.

The baby gray seal who lost his way and was found ready to cross the road was rescued Tuesday.

According to Chuck Bowman, president of the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation, a call came in about the month-old male seal pup.

What's interesting about this seal pup, Bowman said, is that he could have used a GPS.

"Instead of going back in the water, he decided to head west, up the road a bit. A passerby near the beach found him about to cross the road. We're calling him a lost seal without a compass."

The person who found the seal called the Riverhead Foundation; the organization brought him back to the rescue center in Riverhead.

The seal pup is about 2 feet long, Bowman said. "He's very small, very cute — but he'll bite you as soon as look at you," he said. "This one is very feisty."

The seal was found to be healthy and was slated to be released Friday at noon.

"Except we have to give him some sort of GPS so he can find his way around," Bowman joked.

Of the happy ending, Bowman said, "It's great."

He added that the Riverhead Foundation has done a lot this year with cold stunned sea turtles, too — there are currently about 11 or 12 at the rescue center, which were found during the late fall and early winter when the temperatures took a plunge.

The RFMRP added that with seal pup season in full swing, anyone who finds one should call (631) 369-9829.

"Make sure to give the animal its space and do not try to touch the animal," Riverhead Foundation reps said.

Seals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act; those who see them should observe seals and other marine mammals from safe distances of at least 50 yards, or 150 feet, by land or sea and at least 333 yards, 1,000 feet, by air.

Photo courtesy Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation.