Seals are showing up along Delaware's beaches, where they are commonly seen resting on the sand or rocks from February through April. While most are just resting, some may be sick or injured and in need of rescue. To learn more, go to www.merrinstitute.org. To report a stranded animal, call the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute at 302-228-5029. Wochit
For the second time in March, a seal was rescued from a Delmarva beach.
Members of the Marine Education Research and Rehabilitation institute rescued a gray seal pup Thursday in Bethany Beach.
A member of the public alerted MERR and stood by until MERR could arrive to assess the seal, according to a news release.
The seal, named Jelly Bean, is about 2 1/2 months old and was suffering from wounds and lacerations on the face, neck and flipper.
Jelly Bean received initial care from MERR and was transported on the Cape May/Lewes Ferry to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, New Jersey.
There, Jelly Bean will receive veterinary care and rehabilitation and will be joining Banshee, the gray seal pup that MERR rescued over St. Patrick's Day weekend.
MERR wants to remind people that if they see a seal on the beach to keep a mandatory distance of 150 feet, keep dogs on a leash and report the seal as soon as possible to MERR at 302-228-5029.
MERR said most of the seas are resting, however, MERR will assess the animal and monitor it throughout the day to educate the public about the animal and the need to keep a distance so the seal can get rest.
When needed, MERR will rescue the seal to take it for veterinary treatment.
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