In the Oct. 1 article “Shrinking Arctic ice forcing walrus into huge crowds,” Associated Press reporter Dan Joling states: “Unlike seals, walrus cannot swim indefinitely and must rest.”
He is incorrect. Seals also need to haul out of the water to rest, a common sight on Maine and New Hampshire beaches. Marine mammal stranding response organizations work hard to educate the public that seals haul out of the water to rest as part of their normal behavior, to sleep, nurse or for heat regulation.
It is vital that these wild and potentially aggressive animals are not disturbed during such behavior, no matter how docile they might seem.
A hauled-out seal might also be stranded and sick, and so we urge everyone to keep back from animals that are out of the water, for both your safety and that of the animal. Dogs in particular should be restrained and kept a safe distance away.
If you see a marine mammal out of the water that you think might be stranded, call one of the hotlines below, depending on your location. We will be happy to assist.
• Canada to midcoast Maine: Allied Whale, College of the Atlantic, 207-266-1326.
• Midcoast Maine to New Hampshire: Marine Mammals of Maine, 800-532-9551.
• New Hampshire: Seacoast Science Center, 603-997-9448.
Wendy W. Lull
president, Seacoast Science Center
Rye, New Hampshire
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