A resident from Meadow Lane called the Fire Department Tuesday morning and said they saw a juvenile seal stranded on the ice in the Saco River between Meadow Lane and Tiffany Lane off the Ferry Road, according to Deputy Fire Chief David Pendleton. The seal was reported to not be moving.
Harbormaster Dan Chadbourne observed the seal and met with the resident and Pendleton. Though initially reported to not be moving, the seal was later observed moving around on the ice, said Pendleton.
Two representatives from Marine Mammals of Maine came to the river bank at low tide, around 4 p.m., and determined that it was a young harp seal which seemed to be in good health and making lots of movement, said Pendleton. The representatives from Marine Mammals of Maine told local officials that harp seals are native to Canada and are comfortable spending extended time on ice.
The harbormaster returned to the area Wednesday morning and the seal appeared to have left the area.
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