Ocean City, NJ – A male Grey seal pup, estimated to be 4-6 weeks old, sparked concern and a swift response in Ocean City on Wednesday evening, as it was found navigating the roads, a considerable distance from the ocean.
The first call to authorities came just before 5 p.m., reporting the seal pup’s unusual journey from the bay at West Avenue, between 42nd & 43rd streets, through a local neighborhood. The Marine Mammal Stranding Center’s (MMSC) Stranding Coordinator, alerted by residents, coordinated the rescue operation. The community played a crucial role, in tracking the seal’s movements and ensuring its safety. The seal maneuvered through yards, sidewalks, and even the middle of 42nd street, narrowly avoiding a vehicle, highlighting the immediate danger to its well-being.
The Ocean City Police Department was pivotal in the rescue, securing the area from traffic, and allowing the seal to continue its trek toward the ocean without further incident. The seal covered over a quarter mile in about 20 minutes before the Stranding Coordinator could safely capture it, merely a hundred yards from reaching the beach ramp.
Upon rescue, the pup displayed signs of exhaustion and was underweight, with an intake weight of 28.8lbs. It was immediately transported to MMSC for critical care. The seal is now receiving supportive treatment, including tube feeding with a formula and electrolyte solution, in the center’s ICU, resting in Pen A.
This incident marks the second roadway rescue of a seal by MMSC this season, serving as a reminder of the unexpected wildlife encounters possible in shore areas, especially during coastal flood advisories. The MMSC emphasizes that Grey seals, often born on islands, may wander in search of water when they lose their way. The public is encouraged to keep the MMSC’s 24-hour stranding hotline ((609) 266-0538) accessible for such emergencies.
Photos by Michael Trojak, MMSC.