Surprise Visitor: Gray Seal Spotted on Georgia Coast

Imagine cruising along Georgia’s serene coastline and spotting a gray seal lounging by the shore. That’s exactly what happened earlier this month between Sapelo Island and Blackbeard Island National Wildlife Refuge. A South Carolina charter boat captain captured this rare moment on video, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service staff managing the refuge also witnessed the unexpected guest.

Gray seals typically call the North Atlantic home, from the mid-Atlantic up to the Baltic Sea. Seeing one in Georgia is like spotting a polar bear in a peach orchard. In fact, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR), this is only the third recorded seal sighting in the state.

The previous visitors? A harbor seal near Fort McAllister State Park in April 1997 and an unidentified live seal on Cumberland Island in February 2021. Our neighboring state, South Carolina, had its own surprise when a young gray seal appeared in March 2019 and ventured all the way to Florida.

So, what’s luring these seals to our sunny shores? Mark Dodd, a senior wildlife biologist with the DNR, suggests that some gray seals migrate south in winter searching for food. “It’s also common for young animals to exhibit exploratory behavior,” he adds.

It’s essential to remember that seals, like all marine mammals, are federally protected. While it’s thrilling to encounter such a visitor, it’s illegal to harm or harass them. The recent seal sighting off Blackbeard Island had a minor cut on its back but seemed to be swimming and diving normally. Dodd mentioned that the DNR will monitor the situation but doesn’t plan to intervene.

For those curious about these marine wanderers, gray seals are fascinating creatures. They can live up to 35 years, weigh between 550-880 pounds, and reach lengths of 7.5-10 feet. Often called “horseheads” due to their distinctive profiles, they can dive up to 1,000 feet and hold their breath for an hour. However, they face threats like entanglement in fishing gear, chemical contaminants, and interactions with vessels.

So, next time you’re enjoying Georgia’s beautiful coastline, keep an eye out. You never know when a gray seal might decide to pay a visit, reminding us of the incredible and unexpected wonders nature has in store.