They may look cute, but they have become unwelcome house guests.
One community on the northern peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador is dealing with dozens of harp seals that wandered up from sea more than a week ago and became stranded in town by a sudden freeze.
Now, the ocean is 6- to 8-kilometres away, the seals are confused and probably pretty hungry.
They are also blocking roads, driveways and two have been hit and killed by cars.
Residents in Roddickton-Bide Arm, including its mayor, have asked the federal government to intervene.
“People are disheartened by everything that’s happening,” Mayor Sheila Fitzgerald told NTV News.
Meanwhile, locals have been documenting the unusual sight.
Few out for a crawl today pic.twitter.com/Qbb5pazTmD
— Brendon FitzPatrick (@BrendonFitzPat3) January 6, 2019
Including Brendon FitzPatrick who has had a ringside seat to the seal show.
Seal on the road in Roddickton. I guess someone should call DFO and report that the people are killing them, then you’ll see how quick they’ll show up pic.twitter.com/rD4Hnx6WvU
— Brendon FitzPatrick (@BrendonFitzPat3) January 4, 2019
And has been sharing his concerns online.
Seals at mouth of the brook in Roddickton. Wonder where’s DFO. Those seals been there for a few weeks. They are 4 or 5 miles from the ocean and they are probably starving. pic.twitter.com/A9RuA6Njln
— Brendon FitzPatrick (@BrendonFitzPat3) January 4, 2019
The animals really are everywhere.
One on its way to the gas station pic.twitter.com/rurN3Ghhyu
— Brendon FitzPatrick (@BrendonFitzPat3) January 5, 2019
And not exactly easy to avoid.
Wonder what our know it all scientists says about this seal.came out of the ocean in conche where there is no ice and was seen 5 klms inland from conche pic.twitter.com/MfXhE5GhDW
— Brendon FitzPatrick (@BrendonFitzPat3) January 11, 2019
This one was on englee road today. pic.twitter.com/pwk4ASLR1f
— s (@spatey12) January 11, 2019
So finally, on Thursday Canada’s Department of Fisheries and Oceans confirmed it has stepped in.
Sort of.
1/5 We continue to actively monitor the situation in Roddickton-Bide Arm. We’re in close contact with the mayor & town officials & will continue to work with the community to address this situation.
— DFO_NL (@DFO_NL) January 10, 2019
2/5 Our scientists & #FisheryOfficers continue to determine the health of the seals spotted inland. Fishery Officers have already removed some seals & will continue to do so where possible while ensuring the safety of residents & the animals.
— DFO_NL (@DFO_NL) January 10, 2019
3/5 We’ll keep working with the community to ensure everyone’s safety and to determine what next steps need to be taken.
— DFO_NL (@DFO_NL) January 10, 2019
4/5 We understand while it’s tempting to interact with seals, they’re wild animals that shouldn’t be approached or touched. Please remember, it’s illegal to disturb a marine mammal. Human interaction can disturb an animal’s life processes & can result in its injury or death.
— DFO_NL (@DFO_NL) January 10, 2019
But far away on the other side of the province, Mounties have dealt with one troublesome seal.
The RCMP in Marystown returned one seal to the water after a recent “trek through the community.”
Mounties were called Jan. 5 after a seal made its way to the front doors of the Burin Peninsula Hospital. The animal was placed back in the water.
But next day, Burin Peninsula RCMP received another call reporting the seal was back on the roadway and making its way into the community of Burin Bay Arm.
Police scooped up the seal, placed it in the back of their truck, and with the help of the Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada, the seal was released at a more isolated area on the peninsula.
“The RCMP and DFO remind the general public that it is illegal to disturb marine mammals and although animals of the wild may appear to be friendly in nature,” Mounties said. “It is very dangerous to approach or attempt to capture animals without proper equipment.”
Cute, but not exactly cuddly.
So while it’s tempting, don’t try to help.
5/5 If you see seals being disturbed, call your local #DFONL office, contact @NLCrimeStoppers or call 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
— DFO_NL (@DFO_NL) January 10, 2019
Main photo RCMP Newfoundland and Labrador/Facebook
