Seals are marine mammals that occasionally appear along South Carolina’s coastline, despite the state being far south of their typical range. These occurrences are rare, but they confirm that these northern visitors sometimes travel hundreds of miles from their usual feeding grounds. This article explores the status of seals in South Carolina, the reasons behind their southward journeys, and the proper actions to take if you encounter one.
The Status of Seals in South Carolina
Seals are classified as vagrants in South Carolina, meaning they are individuals found outside their normal geographic range, and are not considered residents. The species most commonly sighted is the Harbor Seal (Phoca vitulina), which typically inhabits the colder waters of the North Atlantic coast, from New England up to Canada. Sightings in the Palmetto State are infrequent, but they have been documented along the coast from Hilton Head up to the Myrtle Beach area.
These rare visits are confined to the colder months, primarily occurring between November and March. This timing coincides with the period when water temperatures in the Southeast are at their lowest, making the environment temporarily more tolerable. While Harbor Seals make up the majority of records, rarer species, such as the Gray Seal and Harp Seal, have also been confirmed.
Understanding Why Northern Seals Migrate South
The seals that journey south are frequently young individuals, often subadults or newly weaned pups. These younger animals are at a life stage characterized by exploration and dispersal from their birthplace in search of new territories and food sources. They can be inexperienced at hunting and navigating, sometimes leading them far beyond their species’ typical distribution.
The successful recovery of the Harbor Seal population in the North Atlantic, following protection measures, may also contribute to this range expansion. A larger population means more competition for resources, which can push younger, less dominant seals to explore new areas. Some seals may also be displaced by severe winter storms and strong ocean currents, which can inadvertently carry them hundreds of miles southward. Their movement to the Southeast is a natural, yet unusual, extension of their winter foraging and resting behavior.
What to Do If You Encounter a Seal
If you see a seal on a South Carolina beach, the animal is protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). This federal law prohibits harassing, feeding, or attempting to interact with the seal in any way. A seal resting on the sand, a behavior known as “hauling out,” is normal and indicates the animal is resting, regulating its body temperature, or recovering energy.
You must maintain a significant distance for both the animal’s safety and your own, as seals can bite if they feel threatened. The required minimum distance is 50 yards (roughly 150 feet). Keep all pets on a leash and ensure they remain outside this viewing perimeter, as dogs can transmit diseases to marine mammals.
If the seal appears to be in obvious distress, such as being entangled in fishing gear, bleeding, or having difficulty breathing, immediately contact the local marine mammal stranding network. The NOAA Fisheries Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline is the appropriate point of contact to report an injured or sick animal. You should never attempt to pour water on the seal, cover it, or try to push it back into the ocean, as only trained and authorized professionals should intervene.