Return of winter seals: two new sightings

Original text published 7 November 2017

In these early days of autumn, seals that spend their winters in the waters of the St. Lawrence are returning from the North. Often exhausted or moulting, these animals take advantage of the banks, in the absence of pack ice, to rest. Local residents who encounter them sometimes wonder whether these animals might be in difficulty.

Such was the case of one birder who, last Friday, observed a harp seal lying in an area of high grass in Rimouski. The observer quickly noticed that the seal was very alert; as he approached out of curiosity, the animal grunted in his direction. Such behaviour underscores the importance of keeping a safe distance.

These wild animals can react aggressively if approached. It is recommended to stay at least 50 m away when a seal is lying on the shore. This is a safety precaution not only for the observer, but also to minimize disturbance of these marine mammals, who need to be left in peace while they’re on their migration route.

“Blueback” on the horizon

Another northern seal species has been reported in Saint-Jean-Vianney in the upper reaches of the Saguenay: a hooded seal. A young animal – also known by the nickname “blue-back” –seems to have been surprised by the presence of an observer riding an ATV. We recognize the blue-back by its bluish-gray coat and dark facial mask.

Judging by the images sent to the Marine Mammal Emergencies call centre, the young animal also seems to have been startled by the arrival of the vehicle, after which it quickly fled far from the source of stress. Another example that exemplifies the importance of sharing the river banks with the seals!

Hooded seals in the northwest Atlantic are born in March on the pack ice north of Newfoundland and south of Labrador. The nursing period in hooded seals is the shortest of any mammal. Young are fed by their mothers for just four days! Following the winter breeding season, they disperse to feed before migrating to their moulting areas in southeastern Greenland. After moulting in July, they migrate along the Greenland coast, where they feed before returning to their breeding and calving grounds at the end of winter.

It is not uncommon to observe hooded seals outside their normal documented range. Juveniles do not necessarily undertake the same migration as adults, and can roam the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence throughout the summer months.

Between land and sea

Our waters are home to more than just migrants! Visitors to the Penouille sector of ​​Forillon National Park in the Gaspé Peninsula noticed the presence of a harbour seal on shore one day. The animal seemed to be peacefully lying in the silt. It returned to the sea a few hours later. The harbour seal is a year-round resident of the St. Lawrence and does not undertake annual migrations.