OCEAN CITY The first batch of
migrating seals on the beaches in
and around the resort were reported
this week, providing an opportunity
to remind curiosity seekers and
photographers to observe and enjoy
the annual visitors from a safe dis-
tance as they move through the
area as part of their natural migra-
tion process.
National Aquarium Marine Ani-
mal Rescue Program Stranding Co-
ordinator Jenn Dittmar confirmed
this week there had been four sight-
ings on the beaches in Ocean City
since Monday, signaling the annual
appearance of the popular seals
each winter.
"We've seen at least four individ-
ual seals since Monday and all of
them thus far have been harbor
seals," Dittmar said this week. "All
have been reported on the Atlantic
side beaches and all of them have
been in good body condition."
Dittmar said the four reported this
week were all observed on the
beach in the north end of Ocean
City. However, Assateague Island
National Seashore Science Com-
municator Kelly Taylor said this
week a handful have also been
seen in and around the barrier is-
land, including one spotted bobbing
in the Inlet on Wednesday.
For the next several weeks, seals
of various species and sizes will
appear on the beaches throughout
the mid-Atlantic area and on rocks,
piers and docks along the bayside.
For the most part, the seals are typ-
ically healthy and just resting and
sunning themselves on the beach or
on jetties, docks and piers before
moving along in their migration. In
some cases, the seals are injured or
ill and require rescue and rehabilita-
tion from the MARP program and its
volunteer network. However, those
spotted thus far this week have
been healthy and showed no signs
of illness or injury.
"Typically this time of year,
they're just starting their migrations
and they are fit and healthy and just
resting on their stopovers here,"
said Dittmar. "Later in the season,
we might see more that are in need
of rescue or assistance because
they are on their return journey and
have traveled great distances."
With the return of seals along the
coastline in the resort area will be
an in-kind number of curiosity seek-
ers and photographers intent on in-
teracting with the visitors. However,
Dittmar this week reiterated the
importance of observing from a safe
distance and protecting and pre-
serving their privacy.
"If you're lucky enough to see a
seal on the beach, it's best to give
the animal at least 100 feet of space
and, if possible, stay downwind,"
she said. "Enjoy watching our sea-
sonal visitors from a distance and
take plenty of photos and videos,
but please try not to disturb them as
they still have a long journey ahead
of them."
Dittmar said healthy seals can
usually be observed resting in a "ba-
nana" position on their side with
their heads or rear flippers in the air.
An injured, ill or entangled seal will
often be seen resting flat on its
stomach.
Anyone observing a seal that
may be in need of medical attention
Seals Beginning To Show Up On Ocean City Beaches
Two of the seals spotted on the beach in Ocean City at different points this week are pictured.
Photos by National Aquarium, left, and Chris Parypa
Page 6
January 17, 2014
The Dispatch/Maryland Coast Dispatch
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By SHAWN J. SOPER
NEWS EDITOR