Photos: Harbor Seal Pup on Swampscott Shore

This information about what to do if you see a seal on the beach comes from Don Pinkerton, a volunteer for the New England Aquarium.

This harbor seal pup is about 4 months old and was resting peacefully in the sun near today (Saturday). 

This posture, showing head and tail up with flippers tucked in, is a sign of a healthy animal.   

I am a volunteer with the New England Aquarium’s stranding response team and live in Swampscott. 

We ask that people stay well away from seals on the beach.  Most of the time, they are perfectly healthy and simply resting. 

They do not want to be pushed back into the water, they don’t need food and they don’t want water poured on them. 

Just like people, seals sometimes enjoy a day at the beach to rest and relax.  It’s best to just let them be, and it is especially important to keep dogs away. 

If you encounter a living or dead seal on the beach, please call the Aquarium’s stranding hotline at 617-973-5247

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