UPDATE: Seal Caught in Fishing Line Swims Off

Update, 1:45 p.m.: The seal caught in fishing line that was seen on the beach in Napeague swam off before biologists from the Riverhead Foundation were able to assess his condition further.

Robert DiGiovanni, the director and a senior biologist, said the gray seal was swam off. A caller had reported the beached seal was entangled in fishing line on Thursday morning.

DiGiovanni was not able to tell from the photographs the caller sent in just how badly the seal was entangled, though it was obviously mobile. "A tight entanglement could be life threatening," he said, adding that the line could become tighter as the seal continues to grow.

"Entangement in marine debris is a big issue for large whales, seals and sea turtles. We're always trying to mitigate that as much as possible," he said.

DiGiovvani said the foundation encourages beach-goers to report suspicious sightings, but they warn people not to get too close to the animal.

The foundation's 24-Hour Stranding Hotline is 631-369-9829.

Previously: The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation are assessing the condition of a seal that got entangled in some fishing line and is beached on Napeague.

Joseph Eschenberg said he came across the seal on ocean beach between Ocean Colony Beach Club and Dolphin Drive on Thursday morning. He said he tried removing the fishing lines from its neck but the seal growled at him. He then phoned the Riverhead Foundation just after 10 a.m.

According to the foundation, Eschenberg sent pictures for the biologists to see.

The foundation's 24-Hour Stranding Hotline is 631-369-9829.