Even if a puppy seems to be alone, people don’t have to worry. At the beginning of December, Ecomare already warned that a number of seal pups were washing up on the island’s beaches. The gray seal birth season had just started and the organization has since received many reports from beach walkers who saw “such a white, woolly pup” on the sand. These young animals live “on dry land” for the first few weeks, unlike the common seal, Ecomare explains.
Shedding
After a few weeks, the puppies lose their white fur, which makes swimming difficult. The shedding is an indication that the seal is no longer dependent on mother’s milk and has left the mother, the center said. Until the white hairs are gone, the young animal remains on the beach. It can then swim and catch its own food in the sea. Anyone who is concerned about a young seal on Texel can still call Ecomare so that the organization can send a zookeeper.
Previously, zookeeper Rowanne Huisman explained to NH what to do if you encounter a seal on the beach. You will find those tips here.