**** Info via MARS
Seal season is firmly upon us and our hotline has been receiving an increasing number of seals reported on our beaches and coastal areas
Most of these animals are healthy and behaving normally, including individuals coming ashore to rest or give birth. Remember:
🦭 As air breathers, seals can stay out of the water on ice or land for extended periods from days to weeks, especially newborn pups. This is perfectly normal 💙
🦭 Seal pups are born on sea ice and in coastal areas. Depending on the species, mothers feed their pups over various time periods (4 days to 6 weeks) and may leave the pup temporarily to go feed.
If you come across a seal or pup:
❗️Observe them from a distance! Remember it’s illegal to harass, disturb or move seals and other marine mammals.
❗️They should not be approached, touched or relocated, especially pups as mom may just be away temporarily and will return.
❗️They should not be approached as they are WILD animals which can bite and carry diseases. Keep pets on a leash.
❗️DO NOT put pups back in the water. For some species, the pups are poor swimmers and may not survive.
If a seal is in an unusual location or you think it may be sick or injured, call the MARS hotline: 1-866-567-6277
From a distance, make note of their behaviour and any injuries and please take photos or videos.
Want to learn more about seals in the Maritime provinces?
Check out our website: https://marineanimals.ca/marine-animals/pinnipeds/
