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While pier fishing creeps to a crawl this month, staff members stand ready to help seals who âhaul outâ on Outer Banks beaches. Unlike dolphins and whales, seals donât strand themselves on the sand because they are sick or dying.
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âGive them plenty of space,â she said. âIt is important to stay at least 150 feet away so they can rest.
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Seals, just like any other mammals, can carry different types of diseases, she noted.
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âSome of these are zoonotic, which means they can be passed from animal to human, such as herpes and influenza,â Potts said. Just another reason to steer clear of them.
ï»żIt can be exciting to see a seal on the beach, and they are cute animals. Maybe just grab a quick photo from afar â and keep your dog on a leash.
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âSeals are a protected animal and our job is to make sure they can rest and remain undisturbed while hauled out,â Potts said. âWe want everyone to be able to enjoy them and appreciate them from a distance.â
ï»żIf there are network volunteers at a site, be sure to ask them questions to learn more, she added. Also, check out the networkâs website.
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