Officials with the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine warn that if you spot a seal or other sea mammal, you should stay at least 50 yards away, as per the Marine Mammal Protection Act and NOAA Seal Watching Guidelines, and contact the center.
An Action News viewer sent in this video of a seal that was found stranded in Avalon, New Jersey at 75th Street on Thursday.
Trained volunteers will then assess the health of these animals and determine if it needs help.
Officials say if there are any of the following warning signs, you are too close:
- Increased vocalization by the animal
- Movement back towards the water
- Eyes staring at you
- Disturbance from normal resting position
If you spot a seal on the beach, whether it appears healthy or not, please contact the Marine Mammal Stranding Center at (609) 266-0538 as soon as possible.
