Locals asked to look out for entangled harbor seal

Locals and tourists are being asked to keep an eye out for an entangled harbor seal near Pacific Grove.

Members of the Harbor Seals of Pacific Grove page took to Facebook to alert folks about the recent fishing line entanglement.

“This seal has been hanging out at the Hopkins Marine Station Beach, which is a seal rookery (a pupping beach) and it cannot be rescued on that beach or at the 5th Street rookery. To do so would endanger all the other seals and the pups,” said officials.

At times the entangled seal goes to other locations. The harbor seal could visit Breakwater Cove, the Coast Guard Pier, or anywhere along the Pacific Grove Rec Trail or Pebble Beach.

Marine mammal experts said it won’t be easy capturing the seal because harbor seals are fast and extremely skittish of people.

“We can all do our part by keeping an eye out for this guy and calling them to asses whether they can capture it where it is spotted. The more eyes looking for it, the better chance it has of being rescued.”

If you are walking the trail and happen to spot the entangled harbor seal call the Marine Mammal Center at 831-633-6298.