NOAA Fisheries News Releases
NEWS RELEASE
May 20, 1999
Carol Tocco
(907) 586-7032
DON'T TOUCH THAT SEAL PUP!
A Reminder from the National Marine Fisheries Service to Resist the Urge to "Rescue" Seal Pups
Mid-May to early July is the peak time for the birthing of seal pups in Alaska, and already a few baby seals are being spotted in some popular viewing locations, such as Tracy Arm . Seal pups frequently found on ocean beaches in late spring and early summer may appear to be abandoned. However, in most cases, the mother is at sea feeding and will return to her pup. Kaja Brix, wildlife biologist for the National Marine Fisheries Service Alaska Region, asks that individuals finding seal pups not touch or approach them. "Although their intentions are well-meant," said Brix, "individuals who remove seal pups from beaches may eliminate the possibility of a pup reuniting with its mother."
The National Marine Fisheries Service also cautions that harassing a seal pup or any other marine mammal is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which could result in fines up to $10,000.
To report circumstances that may require intervention by a trained response team, concerned citizens should contact the Protected Resources Management Division of the National Marine Fisheries Service in Juneau at (907)586-7235 or in Anchorage at (907) 271-5006.
The National Marine Fisheries Service is an agency of the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NMFS conducts scientific research and service in support of protected species and fisheries management, enforcement, and habitat conservation programs.