In the serene waters of Phippsburg, Maine, harbor seals are a common sight. Recently, however, something surprising caught the attention of local residents. A young seal was spotted suckling on a boat propeller, mistaking it for its mother.
Lynda Doughty from Marine Mammals of Maine shared, “He would swim away and come back, crying out for his mom.” The small seal was cold and shivering, clearly in distress.
Worried locals contacted Marine Mammals of Maine. Rescuers quickly arrived and found the weak pup lying on seaweed. They searched for its mother but found no trace. The pup needed help.
Experts estimated the seal was just three days old. At the rescue center, they provided fluids and formula, simulating the care it would have received from its mother in the wild. Doughty noted, “Once he had nourishment, he slept a lot.”
As time passed, the seal grew stronger. He began eating fish and mingling with other rescued seals, enjoying playtime with fake seaweed. After several weeks, he was ready for release. Rescuers watched with joy as he swam away into the ocean.
This incident highlights the importance of monitoring wildlife and supporting rescue efforts. According to a recent report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, seal populations in the Northeast have been recovering. Increased awareness and protection efforts have led to their resurgence, but challenges remain.
Doughty encourages everyone to respect seals and other wildlife: “Please give seals their space and share the shore. They were here before us!”
If you’re interested in helping such animals, consider donating to Marine Mammals of Maine.
By being observant and respectful, we can all play a part in protecting these beautiful creatures.
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