A harbor seal that came up on the beach Friday, Feb. 27, was not injured, but was probably just tired, marine mammal rescuers said.
Frank Nave of Wildwood Crest was walking on the beach when he spotted the animal on the beach by The Grand. He called the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, who then called Tony Cavalier.
The chief of the North Wildwood Beach Patrol had taken a course in marine mammals, along with Doug Ford, and are often called to check out seal strandings. Cavalier said on Friday they took photos of the animal, a young harbor seal that was about 20 pounds, which were sent to the stranding center. There, experts determined that the seal was not injured, and should be allowed to return to the water on its own when it is ready.
“They just come up to rest,” Cavalier said. “They get tired sometimes. I guess they take a break.”
Experts say seals have become more common in the area in recent years. Cavalier said he gets calls for strandings throughout Five Mile Island, and that he has had five others this winter, more than in previous years.
Although most people see seals as extremely cute, Cavalier said people and dogs should stay away, as much for their own good as for the seal.
“Don’t go near it,” he said. When they were taking pictures, the seal snapped at them, he said. “They are very dangerous animals. Their teeth are very sharp.”