Here in New York, we share our beaches with a variety of marine life, including several species of seals. Although it can be tempting to get close when you see one, please remember to keep your distance of at least 150 feet! Seals are federally protected species and are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This distance has a dual purpose to protect both you and the seal! Seals are wild animals that can injure you or your pets and spread disease. In turn, your presence can increase a seal’s stress and alter its behavior. It is normal for seals, even pups, to “haul-out” or rest on a beach.
If a seal appears sick or injured, please call the New York Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829 to report the animal. Please provide the location, details, and your contact information so that the New York’s Marine Rescue Center’s trained biologists and staff may assess the situation as well as the condition of the animal.
Learn more about seal’s in New York by visiting DEC website. You can also learn more about responsible viewing on NOAA’s website.
