TOMS RIVER, NJ – If you have been to the beach lately, you might have spotted seals laying on the sand with bright spraypaint on their bodies. You might think this is a bad thing, but we’re told it’s a good thing.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center has provided an explanation for the curious occurrence of seals spotted with pink or orange markings on their bodies.
In an effort to address public curiosity, the center clarified that these markings are part of a system to monitor seals that have been evaluated by their team. The process involves using a non-toxic livestock marker to write a specific number on the seal’s head or back, indicating that the animal has been deemed healthy enough to return to the sea. This system allows the center to keep track of seals that have been assessed, especially if they appear on different beaches, by using bright pigments that naturally fade within a few weeks.
Concerns have been raised regarding whether these markings could increase the seals’ vulnerability to predators, such as sharks. The center reassures the public that the color of the markings, either pink or orange, is unlikely to be detected by sharks. This is due to the difference in color perception between sharks and humans; sharks have a limited ability to distinguish colors and typically attack seals from below, making the color of the markings irrelevant to their hunting strategy.
The center also shared photos of a healthy female Harp seal that was recently relocated, showcasing the pink number one marked on its body. This practice ensures the safety and health monitoring of marine mammals, while also addressing public concerns about their well-being.