VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — On Monday, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI) received a report of a possible seal hauled out on a sandbar in the Mosquito Lagoon, about five miles south of Ponce Inlet. The team located the animal (a harbor seal), evaluated its condition, and collected photographic documentation.
Harbor seals range seasonally from the mid-Atlantic United States to the Canadian Arctic and rarely travel south of North Carolina. Harbor seal strandings in Florida are extremely rare. In fact, there have been only two in the last 20 years.
The seal has not been seen again since re-entering the water. If you happen to spot this seal, please remember:
1. Call stranding responders right away. In Florida, call 1-888-404-3922.
2. Stay at least 100 yards (300 feet) away, and keep your dogs on a leash. If the animal reacts to your presence, you are too close.
3. Do not touch, pick up, or attempt to feed the seal.
4. If possible, take a photo or video to help responders confirm the sighting and assess the animal’s condition in the likely case it disappears again.
Harbor seals, like all marine mammals, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is against the law to feed or harass them, which includes any action that might disturb their behavior.
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