Seals on the Beach: Leave them Alone!
Don't mess with nature, please! The Marine Mammal Stranding Center and Jenkinson's Aquarium pleads with you to stay away from any seals that are trying to relax on the beach.They may look super adorable but PLEASE don't bother a seal that is relaxing on the beach, which happens more often this time of year! No selfies, please!!!!!
Just the other day there was a precious seal sunning itself on the sand at a beach at the Jersey Shore....but so many people gathered to see it that it was like the seal paparazzi!
You wouldn't like it if a bunch of people showed up while you were laying on the beach and started gawking at you and taking photos. It would be super stressful for you...and it is super stressful for the poor seal!
In this latest instance, the seal had to be moved by experts, just so that they could help it avoid the harassment of all those onlookers during its nap.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center's message to you if you see a seal on the beach: Leave it alone! They are in their natural habitat doing what they love, and you should just move on and give them some privacy.
The experts say that this time of year when the temperatures drop, it is totally normal for a seal to dry off and warm up in the sun.
And, in case you were wondering: DO NOT FEED THE SEALS!
Let's not forget, seals are wild animals. They are not warm-and-fuzzy if you get too close to them. And getting BIT would not be pleasant. After all, it's not like you can explain to the seal that you aren't threatening it and that you just want a hug and a selfie. Same warning goes for your dog sniffing too closely to a seal. It's self-defense on the seal's part to possibly lash out to keep itself safe.
Now if you pass by a seal that looks injured, please do the right thing and, instead of taking photos or trying to approach it, just make a quick call to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center at 609-266-0538.
To see where the latest seal was sunbathing, CLICK HERE.