‘Adorable’ seal pups are lounging on Oregon beaches — but don’t touch them, experts say

A harbor seal pup is pictured. The marine animals are often found alone on Oregon beaches at this time of the year, but the public shouldn’t worry, experts say. Screengrab from Seaside Aquarium Beachgoers may spot harbor seal pups sun bathing on Oregon beaches and think it’s a good idea to approach them. But experts have warnings for the public. TOP VIDEOS Top Videos 00:07 01:30 Take a look inside this unique K-popstore in the Tacoma Mall “While they are absolutely adorable, do not touch them,” the Seaside Aquarium said in an April 11 Facebook post. Harbor seals are born in late March and April in Oregon, according to the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. They have a gray or brownish-gray coat with black spots and weigh about 10 pounds. They can swim at birth. During the spring, a baby seal may be spotted on a coastline without its mother. But it likely wasn’t abandoned, according to the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network. “These young animals use time on land to regulate body temperature and rest,” the aquarium said. However, if someone is too close to the seal pup, its mother may not return to it, the aquarium said. So the best thing is to keep a distance from marine animals and avoid touching them, experts said. It’s also illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to “move, touch, harass, feed, or kill marine mammals including seal pups.” Anyone who sees a seal pup on a beach can contact the Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 1-866-767-6114. An educational sign may be placed near the pup to keep people away from it. The Seaside Aquarium can also be contacted at 503-738-6211 if a stranded, injured or dead marine animal is seen in northern Oregon or southern Washington.

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