Chaos as seals get stranded in Canadian town
The are concerns that the seals might starve to death if ot returned to the water soon
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Dozens of seals have become stranded in a small Canadian town, blocking traffic and the entryway of homes and businesses.
Two of the seals were killed after being run over by a car In Roddickton-Bide Arm, Newfoundland. As for the others, there are concerns that they will all starve to death.
Under Canadian law, it is illegal to interfere with marine mammals—including seals.
The seals made their way inland, and got stranded after nearby waters suddenly froze last week, preventing them from returning to sea.
Experts believe the speed at which the nearby bay froze may have unsettled the marine creatures and forced them move to land instead of heading towards open waters.
Several people posted photos on social media showing the seals stranded on roads and mounds of snow.
Sheila Fitzgerald, the Canadian town’s mayor, told CBC News that residents feel like they are “being inundated.”
“There’s seals on the road, there’s seals in people’s driveways, the backyards, the parking lots, the doorways, the businesses,” she said.
If the seals are not taken back to the ocean by wildlife personnel, there are major concerns that they will all starve to death.
“They’re pitiful to look at,” Ms Fitzgerald said. “They haven’t eaten.”
“They are 4 or 5 miles from the ocean and they are probably starving,” another witness tweeted.
Roddickton-Bide Arm’s council has requested help from the Canadian government, in the hope that the Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) will step in and rescue the sea creatures.
The small town is considered to be a major seal migration route.
Local police said they successfully returned a seal to the ocean on Tuesday, but warns civilians from approaching the animals.
“[They] may appear to be friendly in nature, [but] it is very dangerous to approach or attempt to capture animals without proper equipment,” the region's Royal Canadian Mounted Police posted on Facebook.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments