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Rob Nawojchik, Marine Biologist: "These animals are living in the Gulf of Maine and in Canada in the summer time and then come down here in the winter because the weather down here's a bit more moderate for them." Our moderate weather attracts thousands of seals here each year. You can see them hauled out of the water by the dozen. It's a phenomenon the public really should be aware of. Here in connecticut that awareness is especially critical. Because our shoreline is so developed people encounter seals more and more often and it's important to know what to do. First off, experts say don't touch. The seals may look cute but they can bite. Second, if one looks sick or hurt call Mystic Aquarium. They're experts when it comes to rescuing and rehabilitating seals.
David St. Aubin, Mystic Aquarium:
"We see this first of all as an opportunity to lend assistance to an animal determined to be in distress and that's our main priority, care for the animals, do whatever we can."
Nawojchik: "99% of the time the animals are perfectly fine and normal and they should be left alone so the first rule of thumb is don't bother these animals, leave them alone."
Leave them alone because chances are they're resting or like these guys simply enjoying the sun. Last year crews from Mystic Aquarium had to rescue 16 seals.
11 of them recovered and were returned to the wild.
©1999 WTNH/WTNH-DT |
Return of Seals Means it's Time For People to be Cautious
The rocks near Fishers Island certainly seem like an uncomfortable place to hang-out. But for seals this area is considered a 'hot spot.'
The aquarium has had great success nursing sick and injured seals back to health and then returning them to the wild. in most cases though that seal you may spot lying on the beach doesn't need any help at all.