Why are these seals called harp seals? At some point in time, people thought the black pattern on their back resembled the musical instrument (I don't see it). One of our field volunteers, Patty, took the above photo.

As we have mentioned in previous posts these animals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is against federal law to get too close (closer than 150 feet), harass or change the behavior of the seals in any way.

Photo: (L) Laura Fiore, (R) WCNE


Above left the seal is not waving hello. This is actually a sign of stress and that you are probably too close. NEAq staff and trained field volunteers will do what is called a "close approach" to these animal to look for signs of injury or assess activity/behavior of the animal. It is also illegal to allow your pet to approach these animals, too (above right). Seals are wild animals that can carry disease that may be transmissable to your pet and you. They also have sharp teeth and claws that they will use if threatened.

One defensive mechanism harp seals often utilize is to "play dead". The seal in the photo above on the right is a juvenile seal, which is using this defensive technique as the dog approaches. Keeping pets on a leash this time of year on the beach is always a good practice to avoid these interactions.

Above is a more typical view of these "ice seals." You will find them resting and enjoying the ice and snow in the arctic. The above photo was taken in Hull by the reporting party. These seals along with some other arctic seals are born on pack ice, which is why they are sometimes referred to as ice seals. They do not get stuck to the ice, and all seals are semi-aquatic which means they also spend time out of the water on land, ice or snow. It is not uncommon to have a seal spend several tide cycles out of the water in the same spot.

photo: WCNE

This seal in the photo above was resting in a marsh in Essex, Mass. Another adult harp seal!

photo:David Nash

Above was a seal that was in Marblehead today.

If you see a seal, please call our hotline at 617-973-5247 and leave a message. We will return your phone call as soon as possible. (There are many groups that respond to seals. The Aquarium responds in New Hampshire and Massachusetts from the NH boarder down to Sagamore, Mass. We also cover the Islands. IFAW covers the mainland Cape Cod, {maybe we'll work on a map for you with all the corresponding phone numbers you'll need!})

Some tips on leaving messages:

All of the seals mentioned above have done what this seal (below) was doing: returning to the ocean.



Another seal heads back in to the water. Possibly returning to the Arctic, or maybe it will stop off in Maine and visit our stranding partners to the north before heading home to Canada!