search
October 5, 2011

Deaths of young harbor seals investigated

The Associated Press

RYE, N.H. — Federal authorities are joining the investigation into the deaths of dozens of seals found on beaches in Maine, New Hampshire and Massachusetts.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is joining marine biologists from the New England Aquarium in Boston and state wildlife officials to try and figure out why the young harbor seals are dying.

NOAA spokesman Maggie Mooney-Seus tells the Portsmouth Herald that 49 seal deaths have been reported in the three states so far.

A spokesman for the aquarium says necropsies have been performed on three animals and preliminarily results show that lack of food is not to blame. Human causes have also been ruled out.

Tissue samples have been sent out for further testing to see if disease is the problem. The deaths may also be coincidental.

 

Were you interviewed for this story? If so, please fill out our accuracy form

Send Question/Comment to the Publisher




Further Discussion

Here at PressHerald.com we value our readers and are committed to growing our community by encouraging you to add to the discussion. To ensure conscientious dialogue we have implemented a strict no-bullying policy. To participate, you must follow our Terms of Use.

Questions about the article? Add them below and we’ll try to answer them or do a follow-up post as soon as we can. Technical problems? Email them to us with an exact description of the problem. Make sure to include:
  • Type of computer or mobile device your are using
  • Exact operating system and browser you are viewing the site on (TIP: You can easily determine your operating system here.)


Most...