Is it true that seals sometimes can be seen in Marblehead? (Boston: house, live in)

[rockclimb]

Went to the beach the other day and saw these signs telling people not to disturb the seals that sometimes rest on the beach.

I didn't know there were seals in Massachusetts let alone Marblehead.

Is this a joke?

[Valerie C]

Nope, not a joke at all. Harassing a seal on the beach can land you a $50,000 fine (yes, that is 4 zero's) and jail time. I've seen and photographed seals quite often on the Merrimack River, Plum Island and sunning on the rocks near Salisbury Beach (mouth of the Merrimack River). I've seen pictures of them down in Chatham (on the cape). Devereau (spelling?) Beach seems to be a fairy popular place for observe seals from a distance. I would imagine the rocky coastline around Cape Ann would be an ideal place for mom & baby seals to hang out.

[rockclimb]

Originally Posted by Valerie C

Nope, not a joke at all. Harassing a seal on the beach can land you a $50,000 fine (yes, that is 4 zero's) and jail time. I've seen and photographed seals quite often on the Merrimack River, Plum Island and sunning on the rocks near Salisbury Beach (mouth of the Merrimack River). I've seen pictures of them down in Chatham (on the cape). Devereau (spelling?) Beach seems to be a fairy popular place for observe seals from a distance. I would imagine the rocky coastline around Cape Ann would be an ideal place for mom & baby seals to hang out.

After all these years I didn't have a clue about the seals

Do you know when is the best time of the year/day to see them?

[andrea5150]

Not a joke. There are plenty of seals around here. We had one in our driveway when we lived on the beach in N. Weymouth. If I could figure out how to post a picture I would

[capecodcathy]

Seals generally like to sun themselves and will do so if there aren't too many people around. Crowded beaches are generally not a good place. As stated by a previous poster, rocky outposts, jetties, etc. are your best bet.

[TheWereRabbit]

Seriously??

Someone can live in Mass near the water and be unaware of the seals? Sorry, I am just a little taken aback.

Harbor Seals seem to hang out near most beaches, I used to see them often at Duxbury Beach and Green Harbor, but the most I have consistantly seen was in Chatham.

[lrfox]

I used to lifeguard in Westport, MA. Saw them relatively frequently, but NEVER when the beach was crowded.

I'd still say the most I've seen was in Chatham too. In fact, the growing colony of seals in Chatham were the primary reason for the increase in Great White Shark sightings over the past few years.

[rockclimb]

Originally Posted by TheWereRabbit

Seriously??

Someone can live in Mass near the water and be unaware of the seals? Sorry, I am just a little taken aback.

Harbor Seals seem to hang out near most beaches, I used to see them often at Duxbury Beach and Green Harbor, but the most I have consistantly seen was in Chatham.

Seals in Cape Cod is believable. Seals in the beaches north of Boston I had a hard time believing.

[lrfox]

Originally Posted by rockclimb

Seals in Cape Cod is believable. Seals in the beaches north of Boston I had a hard time believing.

They're almost more common North of Boston. They're incredibly plentiful along the rocky coast of Maine.

[Hawkstream]

I saw a black seal swimming by the light house today!