Frosty, our newest seal pup, was tucked onshore again early this morning looking nice and plump - this little one really knows how to catch fish! Walkers and joggers stopped to enjoy his peaceful slumber, only occasionally interrupted with big stretches and yawns. The pup returned to the Sound around noon. After making sure that Frosty didn’t intend to return to the beach, our volunteers began removing the barricades, cones and tape that ensured he was not disturbed. Our first responder visually followed Frosty’s haulout marks up to the spot higher on the beach, where he had rested before sunrise. There in the hollow depression in the sand, she was shocked to see an open tupperware container filled with what appeared to be food. Indeed, it turned out to be tuna fish. Someone had gone down onto the beach very early this morning before our responder arrived and attempted to feed the pup.

The person who tried to feed Frosty obviously had good intentions, but it was very misguided. Instead of helping Frosty, it only put him at risk. And that person was at risk as well. Pups can inflict a very serious wound and can transmit disease. Additionally, the food might have attracted another animal, such as a raccoon or coyote, which could have led to injury of either or both animals. We want to remind everyone that it is ILLEGAL to disturb in any way a resting marine mammal. Attempting to touch, move or feed a seal is a violation of Federal law - the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The best thing anyone can do for seal pups is to let them get the rest which is critical to their survival and please call our hotline @ 905-7325 (SEAL).

Tags: Frosty