**** Info via MARS
Seal pupping season is firmly upon us in the Maritime Provinces!
If you see a seal or a pup found on or wandering near shorelines…rest assured, most of these animals are fine and doing what wild seals do!
While seals spend most of their lives in or around water, they often haul out of the water onto land or ice for a variety of reasons: to rest, give birth, and molt. During winter months, mothers will haul out to give birth on ice and land, so unweaned pups are frequently observed and reported. Depending on the species, mothers feed their pups over various time periods (e.g. 4 days to 6 weeks). During this time, moms of some species will leave their pups unattended to feed themselves; however, mother will return often to feed their pup. Once weaned, mothers abandon the pup. As pups are not strong swimmers, they may choose to remain on-land for an extended period before returning to the sea.
REMEMBER:
> Seals are WILD animals, and they can be out of the water. It’s illegal to harass, disturb or try to move seals or other marine mammals.
> If you find a healthy seal, please KEEP YOUR DISTANCE!
> Pups should NOT be handled or put back in the water!
> DO NOT drive seals back into the water! Doing so may interrupt a natural process or resting phase.
If you find a seal that appears to be injured, ill or in an unusual location in the Maritimes Provinces, call MARS: 1-866-567-6277
