NR-MAR-04-01E

SEAL PUPS ASHORE!

January 28, 2004

Dartmouth, N.S. - Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO), Maritimes Region, once more wishes to remind people who come across seals along the shores of the region to exercise caution when coming in contact with them.

At this same time every year, pregnant grey seals pull themselves out of the waters of Atlantic Canada to give birth to pups. The pups are born on island rookeries around Nova Scotia, the ice of the Northumberland Strait in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and on Sable Island.

After about three weeks, the females will abandon the pups, which will now weigh between 50 and 60 kg. The pups remain on shore for another two to three weeks during which time they molt, shedding their white coat for a mottled grey one. Once molted and having depleted their reserves of fat, the grey seal pups enter the waters and start to forage. For a large number of these pups, their foraging brings them to the shores of Nova Scotia. These seals, once they have fed, will come out of the water and rest for periods as long as 48 hours. So, it is quite normal to see a young seal resting on the shore, which inevitably brings them in contact with humans.

Although these seals look "cute and cuddly," it should be remembered that they are wild animals and should be left alone. If cornered or believe that they are being threatened, they may respond by attacking. Their bites can be serious, requiring medical attention such as antibiotics and stitches.

Anyone coming across a seal on the beach or other such location should leave the animal alone and keep children and pets away. If for some reason the seal poses a risk to public health and safety, such as being on a highway, the local authorities should be contacted.

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