Harbor seals live in the Reserve’s waters year round. If you visit during a low tide, you will probably see several lying on the rocks at the water’s edge, or on the beach resting and soaking up the sun. Between March and June you may see very small pups lying near their mothers.
Bring binoculars and view the harbor seals from a distance. Obey all Marine Mammal caution signs and, if orange cones have been put out by Reserve staff, do not cross.
DO NOT APPROACH harbor seals; they are wild animals and federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. They are easily scared away by people coming too close or being too loud.
USE SPECIAL CAUTION during the March-to-June pupping season, because if a mother seal is scared away from her baby, she is likely to abandon the pup, which will die. If you see a pup that looks abandoned, STAY AWAY and contact the Reserve staff. They will monitor the pup and contact the Marine Mammal Center for a rescue if necessary.