Harp seal sunbathing in Weymouth

December 2, 2008 02:19 PM Email| Comments (10)| Text size – +

(Photo by Kevin Wiles Jr.)

By Anne Baker, Globe Correspondent

A juvenile harp seal has spent much of the day sunbathing on a beach in Weymouth, a sight wildlife experts say should become increasingly common as temperatures continue to drop.

The seal is reportedly “bright, alert, and responsive," although rescuers from the New England Aquarium are en route to Weymouth to make sure the animal is not in danger, according to Connie Merigo, director of the aquarium's stranding program. The main concern is that humans leave the seal alone.

“We’ve had others on the beach, but he’s the last one right now,” Merigo said. “That doesn’t mean we won’t have another one in ten minutes.”

Seals are semi-aquatic animals that spend time resting on shore, Merigo said. As the temperature continues to drop, more seals will waddle onto beaches. The marine mammals will spend three to five days wallowing in the sand, she said.

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10 comments so far...

Come on folks...we need a picture of the cute thing. Does the Globe have any photographers left...or how about a citizen journalist with a cell phone camera?

Posted by Seal lover December 2, 08 04:25 PM

where do they go after 3-5 days?

Posted by jim December 2, 08 04:54 PM

I propose we immediately rent a truck and drive this
mammal to Florida. Oh wait, we already did that with
the manatee. Lets atleast give the seal a name, that way,
we'll all feel warm inside!
Let nature be nature you anthropomorphic tools!

Posted by JoeDonNugget December 2, 08 05:03 PM

Seal Lover, check out the Patriot Ledger online for a picture.

Posted by Skipnage December 2, 08 05:33 PM

Your picture is now available, your welcome. He was very cute and a joy to photograph.

Posted by kwilesjr December 2, 08 06:21 PM

i think we should name it "Paulie"

Posted by biggs December 2, 08 07:11 PM

Thought you and mom would find this interesting.

Posted by dad December 2, 08 07:26 PM

where do they go after 3-5 days?

Id have to go with back in the ocean.

Posted by eeek December 2, 08 08:50 PM

More seals means more white sharks and more seal guts washing up on beaches :)

Seals wait for fishermen to hook a big fish and then grab it and take your expensive plug and your entire spool of braid off into the blue. Seals suck.

Posted by Fishingman December 2, 08 09:02 PM

quote"" "More seals means more white sharks and more seal guts washing up on beaches :)Seals wait for fishermen to hook a big fish and then grab it and take your expensive plug and your entire spool of braid off into the blue. Seals suck"""
You suck. Seals were here long before we started using plugs. You certainly dont need "expensive" plugs to catch fish. You probably are the same guy who claims to hate poachers who keep small fish but claim you wanna kill seals.

Posted by bill ding December 9, 08 09:20 PM