Seals are protected marine mammals frequently observed resting, or “hauled out,” along coastlines and beaches. Their appearance can be deceptive, as these wild animals often seem approachable and docile while on land. Approaching or attempting to touch a seal, however, is both a serious threat to human health and a violation of federal law. Understanding these dual risks—physical danger and legal consequence—is paramount for responsible coastal stewardship.
Health Hazards and Physical Danger to Humans
Seals possess powerful jaws and sharp teeth, making them capable of inflicting severe bite injuries when they feel threatened or cornered. Although attacks are relatively rare, seals are wild predators that will defend themselves, their territory, or their young if they perceive an intrusion. A bite carries a high risk of transmitting zoonotic diseases, which are infections that can pass from animals to humans.
The most notorious infection is “seal finger,” a painful, slow-healing condition that can develop after a bite or contact with a scratch contaminated by a seal’s saliva or blubber. This infection is often caused by Mycoplasma species, such as Mycoplasma phocacerebrale. Crucially, it does not respond to common antibiotics typically used for other animal bites. Untreated seal finger can lead to cellulitis, joint inflammation, and potentially permanent disability of the affected digit.
Beyond localized infections, seals can carry and transmit more systemic pathogens, including different types of Mycobacterium. These bacteria cause tuberculosis in marine mammals, and transmission to humans has been documented through aerosolized particles or direct contact with open wounds. Other potential disease agents include various pox viruses, which can cause irritating skin lesions, and bacteria like Erysipelothrix.
Behavioral Impact and Risks to Seal Welfare
Human interaction poses significant risks to seals by disrupting their natural behaviors and survival instincts. When seals haul out onto land, they are engaging in activities necessary for thermoregulation, rest, and social bonding. Human presence forces them to expend energy fleeing back into the water, and this unnecessary stress response can weaken the animal, making it more susceptible to illness or injury.
Repeated, close human contact can lead to habituation, causing seals to lose their natural wariness of people. Animals accustomed to humans may seek out populated areas, increasing the likelihood of future conflicts, injury from boats, or illegal feeding. This loss of natural fear ultimately makes the seals more vulnerable in their environment.
A particularly sensitive issue is the disturbance of mothers and pups, especially during the nursing period. Mother seals frequently leave their young alone on the beach for up to 24 hours while hunting for food. If a human approaches a lone pup, the mother may observe the disturbance and conclude the area is unsafe for her return. This can result in the mother permanently abandoning her pup, drastically reducing the young animal’s chance of survival.
Legal Protections and Penalties for Harassment
In the United States, all marine mammals, including seals, are protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972. This statute makes it illegal to “take” any marine mammal, which includes harassing, hunting, capturing, or killing the animal. Harassment specifically encompasses any act that has the potential to disturb a seal’s natural behavioral patterns, such as feeding, nursing, breathing, or resting.
Approaching a seal too closely, trying to feed it, or attempting to touch it all constitute illegal harassment under the MMPA. The purpose of this definition is to protect the animal from stress and disruption, even if the human’s intention is benign. Enforcement of the MMPA is taken seriously, with penalties designed to deter interaction.
Violations of the Act can result in significant financial consequences. Civil penalties often reach up to $28,520 per violation, and sometimes higher in egregious cases. Individuals who commit severe or repeat offenses may also face criminal prosecution, which can include fines up to $100,000 and potential imprisonment for up to one year. This penalty framework underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining a safe distance between the public and protected marine wildlife.
Safe Viewing Guidelines for the Public
The most effective way to enjoy seals without causing harm or violating federal law is to observe them from a significant distance using binoculars or a telephoto lens. Wildlife authorities recommend maintaining a minimum distance of at least 50 yards (roughly 150 feet) from any seal on land or in the water. If a seal begins to stare, fidget, or move away, it is a clear sign the observer is too close and must immediately back away.
When viewing seals, keep all pets, especially dogs, restrained on a leash and far away from the animals. Dogs can provoke a defensive attack from a seal, harming both the seal and the pet. The presence of an unleashed dog also counts as harassment under the law. People should avoid making loud noises or sudden movements that could startle a resting animal.
If a seal appears to be injured, entangled, or abandoned, the public should never attempt to intervene or assist the animal personally. Instead, immediately contact the local marine mammal stranding network or wildlife authority with the exact location and condition of the animal. This ensures that trained professionals, who are legally authorized to handle protected species, can respond safely and appropriately.