While this group also includes whales, porpoises and
dolphins, seals are the most commonly-seen marine mammals along t
he shores
of Maine. Spring is harbor seal pupping season in northern New England. A
large number of seal pups appear each year on New England beaches,
apparently stranded, but these pups are often only temporarily abandoned by
their mothers, who are feeding nearby. It is illegal under the Marine Mammal
Protection Act to handle these animals.
The National Marine Fisheries Service
recommend that any stranded animal be left alone. It is against the law to
handle a marine mammal without proper authorization, and their sharp
(dog-like) teeth can be very dangerous. It is not unusual for a seal pup to
be left alone on the beach by its mother for up to 24 hours.
To report any stranded marine mammal, or if a seal appears to be
abandoned, appears on a crowded beach, or shows signs of illness or injury,
notify the Maine Marine Animal Reporting Hotline, 1-800-532-9551. By
following the directions at that number, your call will be directed to the
appropriate responder. See this link for more information:
http://www.maine.gov/dmr/rm/whale/Press%20Release%20Hotline.pdf
National Marine Fisheries Service Law
Enforcement division has established the following toll-free number for
reporting potential violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act:
1-800-853-1964.
