Seals, with their large eyes and seemingly gentle demeanor, often captivate human observers. These marine mammals are frequently observed resting on beaches or swimming in coastal waters. While their presence can spark a desire for closer interaction, it’s important to understand the significant dangers and legal prohibitions associated with direct contact.
Dangers of Interacting with Seals
Approaching seals presents considerable risks to both humans and the seals themselves, stemming from their wild nature and potential for disease transmission. Seals possess sharp teeth and can deliver powerful bites if they feel threatened. Such bites can transmit various bacteria, including those that cause “seal finger,” a painful infection. Other zoonotic diseases, which are illnesses transmissible from animals to humans, include leptospirosis, salmonella, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae, brucellosis, and even certain strains of avian influenza.
Human presence can disrupt seal behavior, particularly when they are resting or nursing their young. Seals require undisturbed time on land to regulate their body temperature, digest food, and conserve energy. Disturbances can cause them to flush into the water, expending energy and risking injury. Repeated disturbances can lead to chronic stress, affecting their health and survival.
Human interaction can lead to the habituation of seals, making them less wary of humans. This reduced wariness can place them at increased risk of injury from human activities. For nursing mothers, human disturbance can cause them to abandon their pups if they perceive the area as unsafe. This separation can compromise the pup’s survival, as they rely on their mothers for nourishment.
Legal Protections for Seals
Laws are in place to safeguard seals and other marine mammals from human interference. In the United States, the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972 prohibits the “take” of any marine mammal. The term “take” includes harassing, hunting, capturing, or killing. Harassment is categorized into two levels: Level A, which has the potential to injure a marine mammal, and Level B, which has the potential to disturb behavioral patterns like migration or feeding.
Violations of the MMPA can result in substantial penalties. Individuals found in violation may face civil penalties of up to $10,000 for each infraction. Knowing violations can lead to even more severe consequences, including fines of up to $20,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both. Many other countries with seal populations have similar protective legislation for their conservation.
Safe Seal Viewing Practices
Observing seals responsibly from a distance is paramount for ensuring both human safety and the animals’ welfare. Maintain a minimum distance of 50 yards (150 feet) from seals on land or in the water. This distance helps prevent disturbance to their natural behaviors.
Use binoculars or telephoto lenses for observation. Observers should avoid making loud noises, throwing objects, or attempting to feed seals, as these alter their behavior and reduce their natural wariness. If a seal appears to change its behavior, such as raising its head to watch, becoming fidgety, or attempting to flee, it indicates you are too close and should move away.
Should a seal appear distressed, injured, or abandoned, it is essential to contact local wildlife authorities or marine mammal stranding networks. These organizations, such as the NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal Stranding Network in the U.S., have trained professionals equipped to assess the situation safely. Interfering with a distressed seal can cause further harm and is illegal.