MERR Insitute reminds residents what to do if they see a grey seal pup

DELAWARE – Seals are being spotted on beach shores and local authorities have a few reminders for those who like to sail from time to time.

The Marine Education, Research, and Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. is a non-profit stranding response and rehabilitation organization dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals and sea turtles. This past Thursday they rescued a young male grey seal pup resting on the beach near the Northside of Indian River Inlet.

They detected several infected bite wounds that were treated before sending him to the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut. Suzanna Thurman Executive Director of the MERR Institute says they know people enjoy these beloved animals- but since they have to come on land to rest- they want the public to be responsible wildlife stewards.

“Whenever somebody sees a Marine animal, in this case, a seal, they should keep a distance of 150 feet from that animal whether it’s on land or in the waters. So, for people on the beach that would be the case, and for any vessels… We will send a trained responder to the scene, and we’ll start doing an assessment and determine if the seal needs some help and needs some intervention or is just resting in which case we will stay on the scene and provide information. ”

If you spot a seal, you think is wounded or washed up on shore, be sure to call, 302-228-5029 and maintain that distance.