What to do When You See a Seal on the Beach

The Seacoast Science Center is getting the word out on its seal rescue response team and what people should do when encountering or spotting a seal on a beach or coastal area.

First, call the Marine Mammal Rescue Team Hotline at (603) 997-9448.

The Seacoast Science Center is authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service to lead the state's marine mammal rescue effort for stranded, injured or diseased seals, whales, porpoises and dolphins along the New Hampshire coast.

The center collaborates with the New England Aquarium and the Marine Animal Rehabilitation and Conservation Center at the University of New England.

It's not uncommon to see a seal on a coastal beach, as they sometimes do to sleep, nurse or soak up the sun, according to the center. 

Other tips via Seacoast Science Center include:

• watch quietly from at least 150 feet away
• keep dogs away from the animal
• do not offer it food or water
• do not pour water on the animal
• do not cover the animal with a towel or blanket
• do not try to move the animal.