Beachgoers in Wells, Maine, Concerned About This Sweet Seal Pup Spotted Alone
This might not be a relatable emotion but do you ever see something so insanely cute that it makes you feel like bursting into tears? Maybe if you are a parent and your child does something precious it feels like your heart grows a few sizes, and perhaps you shed a tear or two. Well, this is how I feel when I see pictures of seals.
I have been infatuated with these creatures ever since I was a little girl. I remember my dad would take to me to the aquarium in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, and I would always make sure we stayed for the seal show. Seals are such smart and fascinating creatures, plus their cute little whiskers make them look like kittens of the sea.
Yesterday this sweet pup was spotted on Wells Beach all by his or her lonesome. Since the pup appeared very young, people became quite concerned.
The Marine Mammals of Maine explained in a recent Facebook post that they responded to a few calls and discovered more about the seal. Their fantastic volunteer team spent a few hours helping keep people and dogs away, and educating beach walkers about this very cool species.
This seal is a harp seal- a species which spends the majority of the year in the northern North Atlantic and Arctic oceans. This seal is at least one year old, and has been independent of its mother since around one month old. He or she was found to be active, alert, and overall in good health! Thank goodness! They were just getting some much-needed rest in a busy spot.
The Marine Mammals of Maine went on to remind beachgoers about proper wildlife spotting etiquette:
- Enjoy these amazing animals from a safe, respectful distance of at least 150 feet away, even if it appears sick or injured
- Report it-in Maine, call 1-800-532-9551 for all live and deceased marine mammals and sea turtles. To find your local marine mammal stranding organization, visit https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/report
- Help keep other people and dogs away, and educate about ethical, respectful, and safe viewing of marine mammals