Yesterday, a female Grey seal seeking rest on the beach along Deal Lake Drive in Asbury Park faced repeated disturbances from off-leash dogs. Thanks to the quick response of the Asbury Park Police Department and a vigilant caller named Nancy, the seal was protected until a Stranding Technician from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) arrived.
The seal was subsequently transported to MMSC for overnight observation and assessment. Despite the close encounters with dogs, the seal fortunately did not sustain any injuries and was relocated to a quieter beach this morning to continue her journey.
MMSC urges all dog owners to keep their pets leashed and maintain a distance of at least 150 feet from seals on the beach. Interactions with wildlife can be harmful both to seals and dogs, as they can transmit diseases and inflict serious injuries on each other. The organization emphasizes responsible beach sharing and prompt reporting of any seal sightings to their 24-hour hotline to ensure the safety of both the marine animals and pets.