Rescue, Relocate, and Release!

 This healthy female grey seal hauled out on the beach in Margate and soon attracted a crowd of curious onlookers. Special thanks to MMSC stranding volunteer Nancy who watched over her for several hours. With the crowds on the beach getting larger as the afternoon went on, we decided it would be best for this spunky seal to relocate her to a more quiet beach for the evening. A few minutes after her release, she picked a spot on the beach a few yards down from our truck to settle in for the night. Sweet dreams, little seal! 

 Did you know that although seals look awkward, they can actually travel very well on land? Case in point- this little female grey seal who wandered a full block down the beach along the dunes, up an access path and into the driveway of a house on 68th Street in Harvey Cedars! Watch as we relocate this spunky little seal along with a second grey seal pup on a remote beach. 

This morning we relocated a healthy male harbor seal to a more remote beach after an overnight observation at the Center. This seal was hauled out yesterday in Sea Isle City, but unfortunately far too many people, some with dogs, continued to crowd around him as he tried to rest. Seals need to haul out on land to rest after hunting, digest their food and restore their energy. Not giving them at least 150 feet of space forces seals to be constantly vigilant, wasting their energy and may force them back into the water before they are ready. Many of the seals in our area are young animals that still have a big learning curve, it is unfair to them to add our human need for photos, videos, selfies and social media check-in's to their list of challenges they must navigate to survive in the wild.

Please keep in mind that seals are Federally-protected animals, and require at least 150 feet (three school buses) of space, MORE if they seem alert to your presence. Dogs should be leashed on the beach, as seals pack a very powerful bite, and can transmit diseases to both humans and dogs. Please DO NOT post locations of seals on social media, it only draws crowds and encourages others to "grab a quick photo", creating more disturbance and stress for the seals. Thank you to all of our followers who have been sharing our message and encouraging others to respect the seals!

On the morning of February 22th, 2021, Stranding Technician Mackenzie relocated a seal with the help of MMSC intern Paige. The healthy female harbor seal was hauled out yesterday afternoon on a popular beach that was very crowded with people and off-leash dogs. For her safety we decided it was best to relocate the seal to a more remote location so she could rest undisturbed. After an overnight observation at the Center, it was determined she was perfectly healthy and ready to be released. Please keep in mind that seals are Federally-protected animals, and you should give them at least 150 feet of space, and keep your dogs leashed. Seals pack a very powerful bite, and can transmit diseases to both humans and dogs. And please do not post their location on social media, it only draws crowds and creates more stress for the seals. Thank you for spreading the word and helping us to protect these beautiful visitors to our area! 

On the morning of February 8th, 2021,  Stranding Technicians Troy and Madisen relocated a seal. The healthy male harp seal was trying to rest on the beach in a coastal New Jersey State park, however, onlookers and their dogs continued to get too close to the animal. To avoid further disturbance of the seal and to prevent potential injury to everyone involved (seal, dogs and humans), the seal was relocated and released on a remote beach. 

On the afternoon of June 15th, 2020,   Stranding Technician Mackenzie releases two grey seal pups with the help of MMSC volunteers. These are the last two seals that were in our hospital for rehabilitation this spring, making this release the conclusion of seal season 2020.