Rare Visitors: Harp Seals in New England

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NOAA Fisheries - New England - Mid Atlantic Bulletin

 March 12, 2020

Rare Visitors: Harp Seals in New England

Harp seal in Maine

Harp seal in Maine. Credit: Morgan Quimby, Marine Mammals of Maine

While we’re used to seeing harbor and gray seals in New England, we occasionally get seal visitors from the Arctic. In late winter, it’s not unusual—though it is rare—to see harp seals on our beaches.

Sometimes well-meaning people come across these seals and, while wanting to help them, do exactly the things that cause these animals stress.

Find out more about these seals, and what you should do -- and not do -- if you come across one on the beach.

Harp seal signs of stress

Questions?

Contact Jennifer Goebel, Regional Office, 978-281-9175