No Selfies, Please! Stay Away From Seal Pups Along New England Beaches

(Hampton, NH) - Federal officials say it is pupping season for harbor seals and it is not uncommon to see the pups along the beaches of New Hampshire, Maine and Massachusetts.

It may take self-restraint, but do the seals a favor and don't try to get a selfie to post online. Getting too close to the seals can cause stress and could lead to injuries to both humans and seals.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), it's normal for the mother seal to leave a young pup alone on a beach for as long as 24 hours. It does not men the seal is stranded.

For more information about seals, visit the Marine Mammal Rescue located at the Seacoast Science Center at Oriorne State Park in Rye.