Rare Harbor Seal Sighting Recorded in Ponce Inlet

A harbor seal was signed in Volusia County this week, to the surprise of experts and residents alike. It was spotted and photographed at Mosquito Lagoon near Ponce Inlet on Monday. While harbor seals themselves are not rare or endangered, sightings of the species as far south as Florida are incredibly uncommon. According to the New England Aquarium, the seals' normal range in the Atlantic Ocean spans from Canada and Greenland to New York. There have only been two recorded harbor seal sightings in Florida over the last two decades. Scientists with the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI) were able to view this seal and photograph it. They reportedly assessed its health and behavior before it swam away into the ocean. HSWRI researchers are asking for the public's help in reporting further sightings of this seal. Those who believe they've spotted it can call 1-888-404-3922 to report what they see. Those who spot the seal are cautioned to remain at least 300 feet away and keep dogs on a leash around it. Photos and/or video of the seal would be helpful, researchers say. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, it is illegal to harass, feed, or pursue a wild marine mammal. This includes harbor seals, as well as other native Florida wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and whales. Florida was once home to one native seal species: the Caribbean monk seal. Their population was hunted to extinction in the 20th century, with the animal being declared formally extinct in 1952. Other species, such as the hooded seal, bearded seal, and gray seal, are known to also drift to Floridian waters from time to time.