Public Told Seal Pups Ok, Leave Them Alone

State biologists are advising the public not to disturb any seal pups found left on the Oregon coast.

Each spring and summer, mother harbor seals leave their pups on the beach for up to 72 hours while they search for food at sea.

“It’s natural for people to be concerned about the cute, irresistible pups,” says Susan Riemer, biologist for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, “but seal mothers will not return to the pups as long as humans hang around them.”