Seal season: What to do if you come across a seal on shore
This time of year, seals are a common sight along beaches and on land, but wildlife experts say seeing these animals on shore isn't usually a cause for alarm.
Hope Swinimer, founder of Hope for Wildlife, says the semi-aquatic animals spend a third of their life on shore because they enjoy basking in the sun and drying out.
"They often lay on their side, people are often concerned and call because they do weird poses, but this is all very normal," says Swinimer.
This season, seals typically begin their molt and have less fur, but the animals don't have a strong ability to thermal regulate -- leading them to be more present out of the water. Swinimer says this happens on a yearly basis.
Come May, the population may grow and baby harbour seals will become another sight to see on the beach. Depending on the species, they are usually out of the water for at least three weeks.
Swinimer adds if a seal is seen out in the sun, the public should keep a distance as crowding can stress the animal.
"Stay at least 150 feet away, control your dog if you're dog is walking with you, and try and keep other people away too. It's incredibly stressful for the seal if you approach it," says Swinimer.
Wildlife experts are encouraging people to never attempt to put the animal back in the water, saying they chose to be out of it and want to soak up the sun.
"Just let them rest and absorb the sun and let them do what they like to do," says Swinimer.
However, if a seal has distress signs, such as nasal discharge, gloopy and closed eyes, open wounds, or flies around the animal, it's best to reach out to Marine Animal Response Society (MARS) or Hope for Wildlife and they will help the situation.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
AstraZeneca says it will withdraw COVID-19 vaccine globally as demand dips
AstraZeneca said on Tuesday it had initiated the worldwide withdrawal of its COVID-19 vaccine due to a 'surplus of available updated vaccines' since the pandemic.
Toronto police seek suspect vehicle after security guard shot outside Drake's mansion
Toronto police are seeking help from the public as they continue to investigate a shooting that seriously injured a security guard outside rapper Drake's mansion.
'Ozempic babies': Reports of surprise pregnancies raise new questions about weight loss drugs
Numerous women have shared stories of 'Ozempic babies' on social media. But the joy some experience in discovering pregnancies may come with anxiety about the unknowns.
OPINION What King Charles' schedule being too 'full' to accommodate son suggests
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, has made headlines with his recent arrival in the U.K., this time to celebrate all things Invictus. But upon the prince landing in the U.K., we have already had confirmation that King Charles III won't have time to see his youngest son during his brief visit.
Seafood, eat food: Calgary Stampede releases Midway menu
The Calgary Stampede has released its menu of sweet, salty and spicy treats available on the Midway for the Greatest Outdoor Show on Earth.
Boy Scouts of America is rebranding. Here's why they've changed their name
After more than a century, Boy Scouts of America is rebranding as Scouting America, another major shakeup for an organization that once proudly resisted change.
World's record-breaking hot temperature streak stretches through April
The world just experienced its hottest April on record, extending an 11-month streak in which every month set a temperature record, the European Union's climate change monitoring service said on Wednesday.
What it's like to be a 'glass child'
Alicia Maples is a 'glass child,' a sibling of special needs children. She knows her siblings needed more help but they have needs, too. She helps others who may feel invisible.