What to Know About Harbor Seal That’s Making a Splash in Exeter, Durham

It is common for boaters to spot seals in the Gulf of Maine, but in past weeks a young harbor seal has drawn a lot of attention swimming in the Swampscott and Oyster rivers.

This young marine mammal has become quite the seal-ebrity in the towns of Exeter and Durham, where it has been spotted several times, both swimming and hauled out of the water.

Seals breathe air and the salinity of the water doesn’t impact their physiology. The locations where these seals have been reported are tidal, brackish water, meaning that they’re places where salt and fresh waters mix.

Exeter is quite far up the Swampscott River, so the recent male harbor seal traveled a long distance to reach this destination.

The reasons for their adventures upriver aren’t clearly understood, but seals are known to follow their food source.

The information collected by the Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue team will help to advance our understanding of harbor seals.