A female seal pup is currently recuperating at New Jersey's Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) following a distressing encounter with ocean debris. The young gray seal was brought to the facility on Feb. 15 after being discovered entangled in a piece of plastic at Beach Haven, New Jersey.
Upon arrival, the seal pup was found with a plastic overwrap from a case of bottled water constricting her neck. Prompt action by the Stranding Team led to the removal of the entanglement, preventing any severe injuries to the animal. The pup, weighing 38.2 pounds, exhibited signs of thinness, lethargy, and gastrointestinal issues, prompting a comprehensive medical examination by MMSC's veterinarian.
The seal pup, likely part of the annual gray seal pup migration, will remain under MMSC's care until she fully recovers and is deemed fit for release. Gray seals, the only stock of their kind in the United States, are estimated to number around 450,000 and are safeguarded by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. These marine mammals have a lifespan of 25-35 years but face threats such as oil spills, boat collisions, fishing gear entanglement, and pollution that can curtail their longevity.
As part of their natural life cycle, gray seal pups are born between December and February, nursing for a brief period before being weaned by their mothers. During their migration to New Jersey from birthing grounds in New England and Canadian waters, these young seals must adapt to hunting for food independently and evading predators. MMSC plays a crucial role in aiding pups that require assistance along their journey, ensuring their well-being and eventual return to the wild.
