A baby seal was stuck on a beach, surrounded by police tape, for hours in Swampscott, Massachusetts, on Tuesday, police said.
The little animal attracted crowds at Phillips Beach — onlookers checked on it all day, though police asked the public, especially off-leash dogs, to stay away, since even a baby seal can lash out in an attempt to defend itself from perceived threats.
"Many people have approached the seal to take pictures. Animal Control asks that you give the seal space as they work to have it relocated," police said in a Facebook post.
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It was believed to be a tired 2-month-old who was gathering strength to head back into the water, according to officials on scene. It was spotted about 7:40 a.m. by someone who was walking their dog.
The seal was ultimately on the beach for about eight hours.
The seal did not appear to be related to another popular North Shore seal, Shoebert, whose antics in a Peabody pond in September earned him at least one children's book and a crossing sign named after him.
