This past week the Ocean City Police Animal Control Unit has responded to several reports of stranded marine mammals, either on the beach or in the bay waterways. In most cases the animals were harbor seals that are in their annual migration passing through or near Ocean City. This will most likely continue through the month of April. In almost every case the animals involved were not in distress and were not in need of assistance.
The OCPD Animal Control unit is advising citizens that the “Marine Mammal Protection Act” states that humans and their pets maintain a distance of 150 feet from stranded marine animals. Live and deceased marine animals carry diseases that can be transferred to humans and their pets. Marine animals can bite or otherwise cause serious injuries. It is illegal to harass any living marine mammal, which includes trying to pet a seal. It is also illegal to disturb or remove any part of a living or dead marine mammal or sea turtle.
To report deceased or stranded marine mammals, please call the Ocean City Police Department at 410-723-6600.
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