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Seals are back on NYC beaches. Here’s why you should keep your distance.
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Apr 8, 2025
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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation
By
Giulia Heyward
Published Apr 8, 2025
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From the Rockaways to Staten Island, seals are hauling out onto local shores for their annual rest — and wildlife officials have a message for New Yorkers: Admire them from afar, or risk harming them and facing hefty fines.
Seal season in New York typically runs from March through May, but harbor, grey and harp seals can be seen as early as November in some parts of the state, according to the Department of Environmental Conservation.
The sight of a lounging seal may tempt people to inch closer, but the department strongly advises keeping at least 150 feet of distance — and keeping pets away too.
Despite their seemingly friendly appearance, seals are wild animals with sharp teeth that can injure humans and spread disease. It’s also illegal to touch, feed, or disturb marine mammals under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. Violators could face up to one year in jail and fines of up to $20,000.
Getting too close to those teeth is the last thing anyone should do, said Rob DiGiovanni, founder and chief scientist at the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society.
“They’re mammals, so they could have any disease that we might get. We always use PPE [personal protective equipment] whenever we work with these animals,” he said. “It’s just important to make sure that you keep your distance, really, is the biggest takeaway.”
DiGiovanni’s organization conducts regular “seal cruises” to track and monitor seal populations across the region. He said it’s common to see seals throughout the Long Island Sound, Shinnecock Bay and the waters stretching from the South Shore of Long Island into New York Harbor.
Hundreds can sometimes be seen congregating in certain spots, he added.
If you do spot a seal, DiGiovanni said, slowly back away, maintain a safe distance and observe whether the animal seems distressed. Signs of stress in seals include raising their flippers, yawning, showing their teeth or eating sand and rocks.
Anyone who sees a seal that appears injured or in distress is urged to call the New York Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829. Trained responders with the New York Marine Rescue Center will assess and assist the animal.
Otherwise, DiGiovanni said, enjoy the view — from a respectful distance.
“We are at a point now where we do see animals all around, this is the time of year that it’s becoming more common,” DiGiovanni said. “And the public are the first people that might encounter them.”
Tagged
new york city
environment
Health and Science
Giulia Heyward
Giulia Heyward is a breaking news reporter on the Day-Of desk. She previously worked at NPR, as a breaking news reporter, and the New York Times, as a reporting fellow on the national desk. Her work has also appeared in CNN, The Atlantic and Politico. Got a tip? Email [email protected] or more securely on signal at 917-715-1458.
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