Photo-Diary of a Terrapin Researcher Don Lewis, Massachusetts Audubon Society, Fox Island Wildlife Management Area

Harps-R-Us — 2 February 2001

This morning’s adventure in the Land of Ooze uncovered another harp seal pup hauled out in the salt marsh.  The number of juvenile harp seal sightings in South Wellfleet this winter has been quite amazing.  This fellow floated in with the predawn high tide and came to rest midway between the bay and Lieutenant Island’s southern shore. 

Healthy plump and about 2.5- to 3-foot long, he seemed quite pleased with this secluded hideaway.  As we completed our patrol and headed back toward civilization, the seal resumed his exhausting sunbathing regime.  Life is tough for these gorgeous critters, but someone’s gotta do it.

RETURN TO HOME PAGE