Seals congregating in Lewes area

As temperatures drop, seals head south from Canada and New England. The Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute warns people to be cautious while enjoying wildlife sightings.

Four species of seals – harbor seals, harp seals, gray seals and hooded seals – make their way to the Delaware Bay coast and connecting waterways in November and usually stick around until April. MERR Institute Executive Director Suzanne Thurman said there are congregations in the Lewes area where locals can catch a glimpse of seals resting on the beach or docks, but she encourages a few precautions.

“Because seals are wild animals and they certainly don't know what our intentions are, they can bite,” she warned. She said seals have mouths similar to dogs and can injure people and other animals with their bite, as well as transmit diseases. She encourages people to stay at least 150 feet from animals for safety and to minimize stress on the seals trying to rest.

Thurman also encourages people to report sightings to the MERR Institute's 24-hour hotline at 302-228-5029. MERR staff will respond to reports to determine whether an animal needs veterinary care and to take shifts watching the seal and educating the public while watching them from a safe distance.

“We want to help people understand these are such beautiful animals and they're so cute, but they can be aggressive and the disease factor is one to be heeded,” she said.

For more information about MERR, to donate or become a volunteer, go to merrinstitute.org.