Seals Wintering in New Jersey

Seals are commonly seen on Sandy Hook’s Skeleton Hill Island in winter  - NPS photo

Many New Jersey residents probably would not say that seals live on the shores of our state. they are not usually obvious, but they do visit us regularly. Unlike humans, seals occur along the New Jersey coastline primarily between the months of November through April. 

The harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) is the most common seal found in New Jersey. Other species of seals found in the state include the larger gray seal (Halichoerus grypus), the harp seal (Pagophilus groenlandica), and the least common, the hooded seal (Cystophora cristata).

None of these seal species are classified as endangered or threatened, but they are all protected under the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and you should avoid contact with them.

Harbor seals can be found across the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. In Europe, they occur within the Baltic, Barents, and North Seas. On our side of the Atlantic, they can be found in Canada and along the northeastern U.S. New Jersey is typically as far south as they travel in large numbers during the winter, though there have been occasional sightings as far south as Florida.

Sandy Hook is one of the most likely places to see seals in the state. Seals can most often be observed on the bayside beaches but may also be occasionally observed on the ocean beaches, the rocky shoreline near Officer’s Row, or on floating patches of ice in Sandy Hook Bay. There is a boardwalk with a viewing platform that leads out to the best viewing spot on the bay side of the main road.

Seals, along with sea lions and walruses, are classified in a warm blooded group called
“pinnipeds.” Sandy Hook’s seal visitors are “true seals” lacking external ear flaps, unlike
its relative the sea lion. They are also smaller and more skittish. Their long, hairless, front
flippers are used for propulsion in water while the hind flippers are used for steering.
The hind flippers can also be brought forward and under the body, allowing them to flop along on their bellies.

Seals have a thick blubber layer which, combined with a fur coat, protects them in frigid climates. Pinnipeds spend most of their lives in the water but come on land to give birth, raise their young and to molt. They can sleep in water but must wake up frequently to surface and breathe.

They are gifted swimmers, able to dive up to 1,500 feet for as long as 40 minutes.

There are two events at Sandy Hook in March that should give you an opportunity to see them and learn more about them.

Seal and Waterfowl Walk
Building #18, Littoral Society Headquarters
Saturday, March 2, 12 PM - 2 PM
Bring your binoculars and take a trek throughout Sandy Hook to observe the seals and waterfowl that overwinter in New Jersey. The program will include car caravanning to multiple locations on Sandy Hook. Afterwards, warm up at Littoral Society Headquarters with snacks and toasty beverages. Cost: $10 member/ $20 non-member. Registration and payment is required ahead of time, please call (732) 291-0055.  1 mile.

Searching for Seals in the Surf
U.S. Life-Saving Station at Spermaceti Cove (between Lot D and Lot E)
Sunday, March 3, 10 AM - 12 PM
Hike to the Sandy Hook bayside with a park ranger to search for seal activity during their annual migration; and learn about marine mammals that dwell in the waters of Sandy Hook at different times of the year. Reservations required, please call (732) 872-5970.  1 mile.

INFORMATION
Seals in NJ  nps.gov/gate/learn/nature/upload/Seals-in-Sandy-Hook-Waters.pdf
Visiting Sandy Hook nps.gov/gate/planyourvisit/

Harbor seal - via Wikimedia