GEORGETOWN, Maine — Editors note: the attached video was originally posted on Feb. 2, 2023.
As luck would have it, the Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) rescued a gray seal pup found at Reid State Park in Georgetown, just before a huge storm hit the coast on Tuesday.
It appeared the pup was having a tough time after weaning from its mother. The marine response team said they think the fur ball had traveled nearly a quarter mile through the woods looking for safety, according to a MMoME social media post.
Rescuers took the pup back to their treatment facility and put her on an IV of fluids and medication for a respiratory infection, the post stated.
Katie Jenner, administrative assistant at MMoME told NEWS CENTER Maine the seal is still recovering, but said she is getting lots of rest and around the clock care.
"At this point we are taking it day by day, we’re hoping she just continues to respond really well to her initial treatments," Jenner said.
MMoME said large storms often bring high surf and flooding, which can cause marine mammals to seek shelter on shore, or the waves can simply displace them on land.
If you do encounter a marine mammal stranded on land, you can call the Maine State reporting line 1-800-532-9551.
Jenner said there are some seals that visit Maine from the arctic each winter, who look forward to our snow and ice. She said harp seals are frequent visitors and if they get stranded, the MMoME makes sure to relocate them to a safer spot, just like the cutie in the video below.
Editor's note: The above video was posted in 2023 by Marine Mammals of Maine.