Rare Hooded Seal Pup Found In Springs

The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation were called out east for two seals in distress on Sunday, including a hooded seal pup, rarely seen in these parts.

A female hooded seal, about one month old and 2.5 feet long, came ashore at Louse Point, at the eastern edge of the entrance to Accabonac Harbor. The foundation's Marine Mammal Rescue Team received the call at about 4 p.m. She is in "guarded condition," and receiving treatment for an intestinal infection at the foundation's Long Island Aquarium in Riverhead, the group said on Monday.

"Hooded seals are a rarely encountered seal species in New York. Hooded seals are considered arctic species with populations frequenting the east coast of Canada, Gulf of St. Lawrence and Greenland," a statement from the foundation said.

Earlier on Sunday, the team rescued a male yearling gray seal in the vicinity of Gosman's Dock in Montauk. With the help of East Hampton Town Marine Patrol, the sixth month old seal was brought to a cage and taken back to the foundation's facility.

The two seals joined eight others at the foundation's hospital, which is also housing five sea turtles.

In house patients can be viewed by visiting the web camera at www.riverheadfoundation.org.

Reports of injured or distressed seals, dolphins, whales or sea turtles can be reported to the Riverhead Foundation’s 24-hour Emergency Hotline Number (631) 369-9829. The public should keep distance from all seals encountered on the beach and report them.

For sponsorship and membership information, call (631)-369-9840.