Seals on the shore - Keep your distance!

Grey seal. Photo credit : M. Hammill, DFO

Do not approach seals on the shore.

While seals may look cute, they are wild animals and should be left alone. They may react aggressively if they are frightened, feel cornered or  threatened.  Seals can cause serious injuries, such as serious bites, requiring medical attention.

If you encounter a seal, maintain a safe distance of at least 100 meters to avoid causing it stress. Do not approach it, attempt to feed it or force it back into the water and keep children and pets away. Always keep your pets on a leash, both for their own safety and the seal's.

In case of a young seal, the mother may simply be out fishing, or she may be momentarily frightened away by the presence of a human. Mothers usually return very quickly to the scene to take care of their young. If you come across a baby seal, keep your distance and do not try to move it. Your intervention could endanger both the seal and yourself.

If the seal is a risk to public safety, is found near a house, school, business or the road, or if there is reason to believe the seal is injured or suffering, please contact the Department’s nearest Conservation and Protection Office. Do not try to help the animal yourself. After hours and on weekends, please call 1-800-567-6277.

Please note it is illegal to disturb seals under the Marine Mammal Regulations and also illegal to harvest seals without a licence.