NYS DEC Shares Helpful Information About Upcoming Seal Season

I love that social media connects us with those we care about and provides us with helpful information. The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation keeps us updated on their social media platforms.

In their latest Facebook post, they included information about the upcoming seal season in New York state. Yes, there are seals within our state!

Here's What We Know About Seals In New York State

The NYS DEC explained that there are different seal species within New York state. We can see grey, harbor and harp seals and how they are known for being,

"Regular visitors to New York's ocean beaches and bays during the winter and spring months."

Personally, I have not seen a seal before but would like to experience this! The NYS DEC highlighted that they can be found lying on rocks. However, in this social media post they mentioned that we should,

"Stay at least 150 feet away, or the length of 3 large school buses, as they are federally protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act."

Basically, let’s let seals live their best life and be unbothered just as we would like. You can kind of look but definitely don't touch, haha.

NYS DEC Shares Helpful Information About Upcoming Seal Season

If you were curious as to when seal season begins, the NYS DEC highlighted that it’s here.

They are giving us some interesting lessons on seals and I’m all ears. The NYS DEC explained there theres a Rule of Thumb and this allows us to view a seal on the beach. We would close one eye and then put our thumb up The NYS DEC continues to share,

“If you can still see the entire seal, you are too close. Move further away until your thumb covers the seal.”

They also included in their latest social media post some things that we can remember the next time we see these cute seals. We should keep kids and pets away from them in addition to staying at least 150 feet away.

The NYS DEC also highlighted that they are in fact, wild animals and just hanging around on socks because they can. We can make them proud by being a ‘responsible seal observer’ within New York state!

What Do Social Media Users Think About Seal Season In NYS?

I enjoyed reading the comments in the social media from the NYS DEC. Social media users shared their opinions in regards to learning about seals in New York state. Some of the comments included,

“I feel like this is a good rule *of thumb* for most wildlife.”

 

“It’s always exciting to spot a seal on the beach, but the best thing we can do for them is give them space. Hauled-out seals are doing exactly what they’re supposed to be doing — resting and conserving energy.”

 

“People should do this with me”

 

Shoutout to the NYS DEC for this lesson today which was informative, interesting and somewhat humorous!

Which wild animal in New York state do you enjoy seeing in nature? Have you ever spotted a seal? Tell us more below.