Seals are a common sight along the entire length of the Maine coastline, inhabiting the cold, productive waters of the Gulf of Maine year-round. They represent a thriving population of marine mammals that utilize the state’s extensive network of rocky islands and secluded ledges for resting and raising their young. The rugged geography of the coast provides a crucial habitat where these animals can successfully feed and recover from their foraging trips at sea. Observing these powerful swimmers is a regular part of the coastal experience.
Identifying Maine’s Resident and Visiting Seals
The two main species regularly encountered in Maine are the Harbor Seal and the Gray Seal, both of which are true seals without external ear flaps. Harbor Seals are the most numerous and are considered residents, characterized by a smaller size, typically reaching five to six feet in length and weighing between 150 and 400 pounds. They possess a short snout and a distinctly rounded, dog-like head, with nostrils that form a slight “V” shape when viewed head-on.
Gray Seals are the larger of the two, with adult males sometimes exceeding ten feet and weighing up to 800 pounds, and they are also establishing a growing year-round presence. Their most recognizable feature is the long, straight “Roman nose” or horse-like profile. The nostrils of a Gray Seal are parallel and separated, and their coats often feature a contrasting pattern of light gray with darker, irregular blotches. Less frequently, visitors such as the Harp Seal and the Hooded Seal may venture into the Gulf of Maine during the winter months.
Where and Why Seals Haul Out
Seals regularly engage in a behavior known as “hauling out,” which involves leaving the water to rest, regulate their body temperature, and conserve energy. This action is necessary for their overall health, as they use this time to dry their coats, bask in the sun, and undergo their annual molt. They choose specific locations for this terrestrial rest, favoring remote, rocky ledges, small offshore islands, and quiet, undisturbed coves where they are safe from predators and human disturbance.
These haul-out sites are also used for reproduction, with the timing varying between the two dominant species. Harbor Seals use the Maine coast for their pupping season, which typically runs from mid-spring into early summer, with high concentrations of mothers and pups found in areas like Penobscot Bay. Conversely, Gray Seals give birth during the winter months, from December through February, utilizing islands off the mid-coast region. Seals often venture into river mouths and tidal flats, particularly when following schools of fish.
Understanding Seal Behavior and Safety Guidelines
All marine mammals, including seals, are protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), which makes it illegal to harass, feed, or disturb them. Harassment is defined as any act of pursuit, torment, or annoyance that has the potential to injure a marine mammal or disrupt its natural behavioral patterns. It is necessary to maintain a distance of at least 50 yards from any seal you encounter on the beach or a rocky ledge.
A common situation is seeing a seal pup alone on a beach, which often leads people to incorrectly assume the animal has been abandoned and needs rescuing. Female seals frequently leave their young unattended for up to 24 hours while they forage for food, and approaching the pup can scare the mother away permanently.
If a seal appears injured, entangled, or is in obvious distress, the correct action is to immediately contact the Maine Marine Animal Reporting Hotline. The hotline will dispatch trained responders from the stranding network who can properly assess the animal’s condition.
The public should never attempt to move, touch, or pour water on a seal, as this can cause stress, lead to a defensive bite, or transmit zoonotic diseases. A seal bite can be highly dangerous due to bacteria that can cause serious infections in humans. If you observe a seal that you believe requires intervention, you must stay at least 100 yards away and prevent pets and other people from approaching. Providing space and contacting the authorities ensures compliance with the law and gives the animal the best chance of survival.