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Imagine this...you're paddle-boarding around Alameda’s bay and see a round, silvery head bobbing in the water...or maybe a sleepy grey blob on a dock. What’s that? Introducing...the harbor seal—our quiet, curious neighbors who live in the Bay!
Meet the Harbor Seal!
Meet the Harbor Seal!
You can spot a harbor seal pretty easily! These cute animals have round heads, big eyes, and no ear flaps. They have spotted gray, brown, or tan coats. Just like pelicans (who we learned about last month), they are clumsy on land but graceful underwater. When on land, these seals move like a caterpillar, which sets them aside from other seals!
Did you know?
Harbor seals can dive over 900 feet deep, and they can also hold their breath for 30 minutes! How impressive is that? You can spot them resting on rocks, docks, and quiet beaches—which are called "haul-outs".
What do Seals Need?
What do Seals Need?
Harbor seals need many things: they need quiet spaces to rest, safe places to give birth and raise pups, and clean water and healthy fish to eat.
When people (even well-meaning people) get too close to seal resting spots, it can stress seals out or scare them away. The Marine Mammal Center has identified that wildlife disturbance by people or dogs have been reported in 250 cases. Disturbances can lead to increased stress, and even lead to dependent harbor seal pups getting seperated from their mom, which can be life-threatening.
So how can we Share the Shore?
So how can we Share the Shore?
When you spot a seal, remember these five things!
Always look from a distance: you can ask you parents to zoom in with their phone's camera, or you can use binoculars! (maintain a 50 yards distance minimum)
Don’t approach or touch seals: just like any other wild animal, don't touch them!
Stay quiet near resting seals: don't make loud noises, it might startle them!
Keep dogs leashed near seal areas: dogs can make noise or get dangerously close to harbor seals.
Don't leave trash: pollution hurts marine life!
And remember...if a seal lifts its head to stare at you—it’s probably asking for space!
Why do we Give Harbor Seals Space?
Why do we Give Harbor Seals Space?
Seals, just like any marine animal and plant, are a sign of a healthy bay. By giving them space, we are protecting their chance to thrive and keep the whole ecosystem balanced. Respecting wildlife helps everyone—from fish to birds to people.
So be a shore hero! Next time you’re near the water and see a harbor seal, remember: it’s their home too. So let's be good nieghbors!
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