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A Facebook post showing a harp seal laying on frozen Peconic Bay this week is going a bit viral this weekned.
Maria Orlando Pietromonaco’s photo and caption has garnered feedback from nearly 5,000 users on The Social Network.
“Had a visitor taking a nap on our Peconic Bay beach in South Jamesport today. Not a common occurrence,” wrote Pietromonaco, administrator and writer for the Facebook group Long Island Living. “About the 4th one I’ve seen around here the last 10 years. Beautiful sight.”
Harp seals can be seen around Long Island shores from late fall through early spring, according to New York State Parks & Historic Sites. They belong to the family Pinniped, meaning “feather-footed” or “wing-footed.” Because they have no ear flaps and their necks and front flippers are short, they consider true seals, the parks service notes.
Harp seals are slightly larger than harbor seals, but they have a stockier build. Both males and females are typically six feet long and weigh about 400 pounds.
But they looks so cuddly
A Facebook user with the handle Court Ney chimed in the comments section of Pietromonaco’s post that she’s “Not sure [she] would have the self control to not shimmy onto the ice to hug him.”
Mandy Dawn concurred, adding, “Court Ney right? I thought I was the only one thinking about how I want to boop the nose!”
Marine animal pros though strongly advise going anywhere near a seal. The animals are federally protected, and folks caught going within 150 feet of them face a hefty fine.
Marine experts advise the public to call the New York Marine Rescue Center’s Hotline if they see a seal that appears lost or stranded.
“I volunteer in NY Marine Rescue Center and would warn you first they are wild animals that carry diseases not to mention how aggressive they are,” commented Lynn Carol. “We suit up in a lot of protective gear before going near them. There are hefty fines as well. Marine Mammal Protection Act requires you to stay a minimum of 150 feet away.”
‘No selfie stick long enough’
The New York Marine Rescue Center on its website is adamant in advising against people trying to get close enough for a selfie photo with a seal.
“There is no selfie stick long enough!” the rescue center says. “Getting too close to a wild animal puts you—and the animal—at risk. Seals have powerful jaws, and can leave a lasting impression.
The center over the years has received reports injuries to humans as a result of getting too close to an animal during a quick photo op. When humans get too close to a wild animal, they risk stressing or threatening it, and stressed animals are much more likely to act unpredictably.
Greater Long Island has reached out to Pietromonaco for details on her experience in spotting the seal, and will update the story once it hears back from her.
Meanwhile, the seal in the Facebook post was reportedly checked on, and is doing well.
Top photo: Taken by Maria Orlando Pietromonaco.
