A Happy Harp Seal

Posted on February 24, 2016

Ashley Stokes | NH Marine Mammal Rescue Coordinator

We are happy to share that the harp seal that we monitored all day yesterday behind a residence in Rye, that the homeowners had nicknamed “Harpo” returned to the water early this morning.

This animal was one of the healthiest seals we have seen in a while. Clearly he has been eating lots of fish!

Harpo2 — While resting comfortably, he would stretch out his hind flippers now and then.

Harpo3 — Juvenile harp seals are known for having dark ‘eyeliner’ around their large eyes. This guy also has lots of mud caked around his face, as a result of trudging through the mudflats to get to his resting spot!

Harpo4 — When seals rest, we like to see them keeping their front flipper tucked in while keeping their hind flippers and head slightly elevated off the ground. This is evidence of a healthy resting seal.

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environmental education, gulf of maine, harp seal, ice seal, marine animals, marine biology, marine mammal rescue, new hampshire seacoast, ocean education, ocean health, seacoast science center

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