Lethargic Juvenile Harbor Seal in Wellfleet
Turtle Journal visited the tip of Shirttail Point this afternoon to check on the lethargic juvenile harbor seal that has been resting in this area of Wellfleet Harbor for more than a week. (See previous Turtle Journal articles below.) The tide was rising and would soon reach its flood in about two hours. Waves were already rolling over this sad seal, which would soon be engulfed by the rising waters.
IFAW Monitoring Juvenile Harbor Seal
IFAW Marine Mammal Rescue team is monitoring this juvenile seal and has posted signs alerting the public to keep away and to avoid disturbing this animal. The picture above is from Friday’s low tide in the same spot where the seal was found again today.
 
 Juvenile Harbor Seal Washed by Rising Tide
The edge of the Wellfleet Pier (Shirttail Point) offers a sandy resting spot for this young seal between high tides. As the new moon arrives this coming weekend, tides will rise over 12.5 feet and this area will fall several feet under water. It is possible that these astronomically high tides will cause the ailing young seal to move to a new location. Turtle Journal will be co-leading a Stranding Weekend Program at Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary. Participants will keep a weather-eye for this animal if it moves from its current location.