Check It Out!: Rare Seals On Cape Ann

Unusual Sightings on Cape Ann

During the past few weeks several unusual seals have made an appearance on Cape Anns shores. Arctic hooded and harp seals have both been seen here in some numbers!

Perhaps our most surprising sighting was that of a sub-adult hooded seal sitting on a wharf in Gloucester Harbor! While we have seen a number of hooded seal pups in the past few weeks, we have not seen any of the larger animals in our area. So imagine our surprise when we went to investigate a report of a seal and found a 6-foot plus, 300-400 pound seal on the dock!

We estimate this animal to be a one-to-two year old animal. What makes this sighting more curious is that in early February 1998 a hooded seal pup hauled out for two days at the same spot, leading us to think it may be the same animal. However, since seals totally change their coats and markings between their first and second year, there is no way to say for sure if this is the case.

On the same day that the hooded seal was found, we also got a report of a harp seal ashore in Rockport. Harp seals are also arctic seals, and no one from our staff had ever seen one in the wild! These are the seals which, as young pups, are totally white with big, black eyes our seal was older, and had a more regular spotting pattern. The seal remained on the beach for several days. Since sick harbor seals often disguise their illnesses, we finally made the decision to relocate the seal and further investigate its health. As we drove up in our truck, however, the seal took one look and scurried into the water. It has not returned since, indicating that it probably was a healthy seal.

Finally, the female hooded seal pup which we rescued in late January from a Rockport beach continues to do well at the New England Aquarium in Boston. It is eating well, being treated for its infections, and bossing around the other seals (and stealing their food!). Aquarium staff are still concerned about a rock in her stomach which she has not yet passed. Provided she does pass that through her system, she will be a prime candidate for release back into the wild. Stay tuned for more details!