Earlier this morning, we received photo confirmation of the first seal sighting along the Maryland coast!
Every winter, migrating seals make their way back to our shores. Seals are semi-aquatic, which means they like to spend part of their time in the water and part of their time on land. During migration, seals will typically spend a couple of days swimming south, occasionally hauling out on beaches, rocks or docks to rest.
If you're lucky enough to see a seal on the beach, it's best to give the animal at least 100 feet of space and, if possible, stay downwind. Enjoy watching our seasonal visitors from a distance (and take plenty of photos/videos!) but please try not to disturb them, as they still have a long journey ahead of them!
As you see in the photo above, a healthy seal can usually be observed resting in a "banana position," on their side with their head and/or rear flippers in the air. A seal that is injured, ill or entangled in marine debris, it will often be seen resting flat on its stomach.
If you see a seal that may be in need of medical attention, please call the National Aquarium's Stranding Hotline at (410) 373-0083 or the Natural Resources Police at (800) 628-9944!
In Maryland, you can also report seal sightings on the Maryland Coastal Bays Program's website.
The National Aquarium and Maryland Coastal Bays Program have partnered together to promote responsible viewing of marine mammals, both along the Maryland coast and within the entire mid-Atlantic region. Funding for this joint awareness campaign was provided by the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program.