Baby Seal Found On Surf City Beach Found Healthy, Relocated

SURF CITY, NJ - The baby seal picked up by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center on a Surf City beach on May 7 was healthy and has been released to another location, said Director Robert C. Schoelkopf.

The little seal was one of a number of baby harp seals reported on the beaches over the weekend, he said.

And if there's one thing Schoelkopf wants to stress, it's this - leave the seals alone.

Anyone who tries to move a seal back into the water, wet it or even approach is considered harassing the seal and could face fines of up to $20,000, he said.

If you spot a seal you believe has been injured, Schoelkopf suggests taking a photo and emailing to it to the center, where the staff can usually tell what's wrong with it just by looking at a picture.

Baby seals are only with their mothers for the first two weeks of their lives. After that, they are on their own, he said.

They will occasionally beach themselves just to try to get some rest or avoid predators, Schoelkopf said.

Surf City police kept on eye on the little seal until it was checked out by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.

"They told us she is about about three months old and most likely came up on our beautiful beach for a little rest and relaxation," according to the police department's Facebook page. "Being so young, she is not used to swimming long distances. We’d like to remind everyone that seals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act."

But Surf City police ask anyone who sees a sick or injured seal to call the department on the non-emergencyline.

Photo: Courtesy of Surf City Police Department