Here you see a harbor seal feeding Saturday in the incoming tide in Patten Bay at the mouth of Patten Stream. Since June of last year, increased numbers of harbor seal and gray seal deaths have occurred across Maine’s mid- and southern coast.

Strangely, avian flu seems to be implicated and some worry that, since federal protection in 1972, the overall population of seals has gotten too large to sustain itself healthily. Some also blame an increase in seals for the increase in major seal predators, white sharks,  in the Gulf of Maine.

Difficult decisions may have to be made soon with regard to Maine’s seal population. Keep your eyes out for opportunities to assure that these decisions are reasonable and not overreactions. (Images taken in Surry, Maine, on June 10, 2023.)

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