Seals have long attracted human interest with their dog-like appearance and ability to seamlessly move between land and sea. Boston Harbor and its islands are home to harbor (Phoca vitulina concolor) and gray (Halichoerus grypus atlantica) seals.
Where can I see seals in Boston?
Fort Point Pier: A respite in Boston for harbor seals.
Are there wild seals in Boston?
There are two species of seals that spend all their time in Massachusetts’ waters, and a few others that stop by during migration.
Where can I see seals in Massachusetts?
But, where are the seals in Chatham? As mentioned, the majority of the seals hang around Monomoy Island, which is about 9.5 miles from the mainland and only accessible by boat. To see Cape Cod seals on the mainland, head to Chatham Fish Pier.
Are there harbor seals in Massachusetts?
The gray seal (Halichoerus grypus) and the harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) are the predominant species of seal found in Massachusetts waters.
What kind of seals are in Boston Harbor?
Seals have long attracted human interest with their dog-like appearance and ability to seamlessly move between land and sea. Boston Harbor and its islands are home to harbor (Phoca vitulina concolor) and gray (Halichoerus grypus atlantica) seals.
What’s the best time to see seals?
So the months of December to February is the best time to see these mammals in their natural environment. The quiet beach of Horsey Gap, not far from Great Yarmouth, is an area where the seals return every year to give birth, and this place has become very popular with visitors who enjoy observing these sea mammals.
Can I approach a seal?
Keep your distance
Approaching closer than 30 metres to a seal on land is likely to scare the animal back into the water. Seals see us as predators and they may hurt themselves or their young trying to flee. Seals will be on land for a reason, such as to rest or moult. We should keep our distance.
Do seals live on Cape Cod year round?
There are two similar species of seals that inhabit the Cape and Islands—gray and harbor seals. Adult gray seals can weigh between 550 and 850 pounds and are on the Cape year-round. Adult harbor seals weighing between 100 and 300 pounds are seasonal residents on the Cape between September and May.
What state has the most seals?
In the United States, NOAA Fisheries has identified 16 stocks of harbor seals. Twelve of these stocks are in Alaska, and the other 4 are the California, Oregon-Washington coastal, Washington inland waters, and the western North Atlantic stocks.
Where are the winter seals in Massachusetts?
Buzzards Bay
Seal Spotting
During the winter months, these playful creatures dot the craggy shoreline, particularly off the coast of Chatham and in Nantucket Sound and Buzzards Bay, where food is plentiful. Mid-day low tide is the best time of day to see seals.
Do seals leave Cape Cod in winter?
During the winter and spring months, harp seals and hooded seals can occasionally migrate to the Cape, while hooded seals are a rare sighting.
Does Cape Cod have sea lions?
Over 30 species of seal, sea lion, and walrus dwell in the world’s waters, and a variety of seals inhabit the waters off Cape Cod. Yet, two species of seal call Cape Cod home throughout the year – harbor seals and gray seals.
Are there seals in Martha’s Vineyard?
Several species of seals are regularly found in Vineyard waters. Harbor seals are probably the most common (pictured swimming at the left) and gray seals are almost as common. Other species that you may encounter include harp seals and hooded seals. Many of these seals come ashore on a regular basis.
Are there octopus in Cape Cod?
BREWSTER – The arrival of a rare female octopus Friday at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History may be only the third known instance of this species being brought alive, still caring for a brood of fertilized eggs.
Where do New England seals go in the winter?
Juvenile seals will travel south from New England every winter to enjoy the warmer waters and plentiful fish population of the Bay region. They stay in the area from December through May and return to New England when water temperatures rise—but if you’re lucky, you may spot one while it’s here.
Why are there so many seals in Cape Cod?
What do seals and sharks have in common? Both seals and sharks have inhabited waters around Cape Cod and the Islands for centuries, long before humans. Both have been increasing in numbers since the passage of federal regulations after populations were severely depleted by hunting and fishing.
When can you see seals in Maine?
While Marine Mammals of Maine receives reports of strandings year round, the busiest time is harbor seal pup season. Harbor seals give birth as early as April, and pupping season is in full swing between May and June.
Does Maine have seals or sea lions?
The harbor seal is the most widely distributed species of true seal in the world. They can be found in coastal waters of both the north Atlantic and north Pacific, and are year-round residents along the Maine coast.
Are the seals still at Donna Nook?
The total number of seal pups born was 2,122 during the last breeding season, in 2021, at Donna Nook. The seals will return to Donna Nook and give birth to well over 2,000 pups later this year, from the end of October and throughout November and December 2022.
What beach has seals?
There are also many spots around La Jolla where you can watch seals from kayaks, paddleboards, or the beach, including the popular Children’s Pool (open from May 15th until December 15th every year).