The pupping season has begun for harbor seals in Alaska and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries reminded people to keep their distance from the seal pups so their mothers don’t abandon them.
NOAA Fisheries announced pupping season usually occurs in May or July. During this time, pups are routinely left alone for up to two days by their mothers as they forage and hunt, according to a May 2 release.
“Pups will stay with their mothers for four to six weeks before they are weaned and able to forage on their own,” NOAA Fisheries said in the release. “It is essential these seal pups learn to forage on their own, and during this weaning process, they tend to rest on shore without their moms.”
The public was reminded to not approach a lone pup and to keep their dogs leashed. Harbor seal pups will spend long stretches of time in the same area, the release said. Even if they seem to be alone, their mother might be around. The public should not pick up or attempt to care for the pups.
These pups might be entirely abandoned by their mother if they are disturbed, NOAA Fisheries said, according to the release. Furthermore, pups are not scared of humans. The friendly nature of humans may inhibit the general fear response of the pup, which is essential for their survival. Up to half of all pups die, but their best chances are still in nature.
