How You Can Help Keep Seal Pups Out Of Harms Way

Featured Image Credit: Flickr
By Laura O’Brien

Seal pup season is upon us and will last through July. With all of the adorable new additions to our beaches, there are some important things to keep in mind. The Marine Mammal Center requests that beachgoers do not approach seals during their pup season, because doing so may cause mothers to abandon their pups. Once seal pups are abandoned, they become far less likely to survive. Mother seals often leave their pups on the beach while they hunt, and the mother may be able to see you even if you don’t see her. The Marine Mammal Center even stated that the mother may abandon her pup if she smells evidence of human interaction.

For this reason, humans should be mindful and keep their distance from seals during pup season. Abby McClain of the Marine Mammal Center said, “our motto is 50 feet”. Tracy Mercer, part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Monk Seal Research Program, suggested a helpful trick to help the public determine if they are too close to a seal. If you see a seal, hold your thumb out, perpendicular to the seal. You should be able to completely block the seal’s body from your sight. If you still see part of the seal’s body, then you are too close.

seal pups

Image Credit: Dr. Brandon Southall, NMFS/OPR

Unfortunately, a certain trend has been encouraging many inappropriate human-seal encounters this season. The Marine Mammal Center attempted to reach Facebook users with a post which read, “the selfie – Worst thing for seal pups since the invention of the orca”. Many social media users have approached seal pups and taken a quick photo of the animals, unaware that their selfie may cost that seal pup its life. When you are at the beach this seal pup season, please keep in mind the Marine Mammal Center’s message, “one quick selfie isn’t worth the pups life”

Learn more from our sources, https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/The-Marine-Mammal-Center-Sends-Warning-Do-Not-Take-Selfies-With-Seal-Pups-478351533.html , http://awesomeocean.com/guest-columns/monk-seal-born-hawaii/

Laura O'Brien

About the author:

Hi! My name is Laura and I’m a student in California. I switched from a major in natural resource conservation to physics, because I believe that with my coursework in physics and computer programming, I will be better able to make positive changes for our environment. I’ve loved the ocean and its inhabitants since I was young, and I think that spreading my love for the ocean and educating people about our environment is more important now than ever before. I hope that through education and activism, I can help improve our relationship with the ocean and the environment as a whole.

I love the ocean for so many reasons. It’s hard to narrow it down! I love animals, and marine life is especially amazing to me. I love how diverse the ocean is as a habitat, and I love the amazingly unique creatures that live in it. I also grew up next to the ocean, so my favorite memories are in and around the water. When I was little, I loved to play in the sand and try to catch little crustaceans and fish in the water. Then, when I got older I joined the swim team, and began to surf, snorkel, and kayak; so I saw a whole new side of the sea. To me, the ocean has always felt like home.

I love sea turtles! Growing up in Florida, I have always been a fan of reptiles; which is probably why sea turtles are my favorite ocean inhabitant. They’re cute, they’re clumsy, they’re downright adorable. If I had to pick a certain species, I’d say my favorite are green sea turtles. Sea Turtles: Raddest animals in the sea.

Aside from my studies, I like to stay active mentally and physically. I like to watch documentaries and youtube channels like PBS CrashCourse. Most days I either run in the hills around my house or go climb at my rock gym. Other times, I like to explore trails and even the city, to find new interesting things to do. I’m also a fan of camping, so I love to do that when the opportunity knocks. I also love to go to concerts and music festivals with my friends. And of course, above all, I love to be near the water. I love going out on my friend's boat, and hanging out at the beach. Sunshine and sand under my toes are the best feelings in the world!

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