Baby seal washes ashore in Bethany
A gray seal pup was taken to New Jersey for rehabilitation after it washed ashore March 29 in Bethany Beach.
The 2 1/2-month-old seal was suffering from wounds and cuts on the face, neck and flipper when a passerby found the pup on the beach, according to Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute officials.
After arriving, MERR officials assessed the injuries and made arrangements to send the pup to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, N.J. The seal was transported on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry and will receive veterinary care and rehabilitation at the center. Officials named the seal Jelly Bean; the pup joins Banshee, a gray seal pup rescued on St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
MERR officials remind people that if they see a seal on the beach, or other areas, to keep a mandatory distance of 150 feet, keep dogs on a leash, and report the seal as soon as possible to MERR at 302-228-5029. Most seals are simply resting, but MERR will assess the animal and monitor it throughout the day to help educate the public about these animals and the need to keep a distance so the seal can get some much-needed rest.
