Seal Guardians

Last week's beaching of a dead pygmy sperm whale on Low Beach was a random occurrence that posed little or no danger to anyone lucky enough to get out and see this rare marine mammal.

But its appearance on our shores is a reminder of the seasonal landings of gray and harbor seal adolescents born on Muskeget Island this winter and the wide berth humans and their dogs need to give these marine species in the coming months.

Learning to swim and navigate on their own, these young seals tire easily in the strong currents around our islands and frequently haul themselves up onto the beaches to rest.

Adult seals do so as well, congregating at their favorite remote, relatively unpeopled spots including Great Point, Low Beach, Smith's Point and sometimes Eel and North points. But seals young and mature are also found all along Nantucket's shoreline.

Whether resting, sick, recovering from an injury, or entangled in fishnet fragments, these marine mammals should be left alone no matter what condition you find them. Members of the Nantucket Marine Mammal Stranding Team are the only people on Nantucket qualified to be handling seals and other marine mammals.

Beach walkers and their dogs are encouraged to stay at least 150 feet away from seals on the beach. Do not attempt to feed them, throw water on them or let your dog off the leash. Remember that all marine mammals, dead or alive, are federally protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which means harming them or taking their body parts carries stiff fines and possible jail time.

If you see a seal that does not immediately shimmy into the surf, alert the team of its appearance, size and location by calling the Nantucket Police Department at 228-1212.