3 Types of Seals in New Jersey

Harbor seals are the seal you are most likely to encounter in New Jersey, with 405 iNaturalist records from the state. They are present throughout the year but numbers peak from January to March. Grey seals have become increasingly common since the 1990s, with 103 recorded sightings. Both species haul out on rocks and beaches during low tide, particularly around Cape May, Sandy Hook, and Delaware Bay. They tolerate human presence better than most seals and often stay close to shore.

Harbor seals are smaller, typically 4 to 6 feet long, with spotted or mottled brown, gray, or silvery coats. Their head is rounded and their nostrils point downward in a V-shape. Grey seals are larger, reaching 6 to 7.5 feet, with longer faces and heavier bodies. Adult male grey seals are often very dark grey or nearly black, while females are lighter brown with dark spots. Their nostrils point forward, giving them a more elongated snout. In the water, grey seals often hold their heads higher and more upright.

Harp seals drift south from the Arctic during severe winters and occasionally arrive in New Jersey waters. Records show 18 sightings over many years, so they are uncommon but not impossible to see. When present, they typically arrive between December and February during ice breakup events in northern waters. Harp seals are compact, weighing 240 to 400 pounds, with silvery-white or pale grey coats. Young seals lack the distinctive black harp-shaped markings on their backs that adult harp seals wear.

Yes, but extremely rarely. The iNaturalist database contains just one record of a hooded seal in New Jersey. These massive seals, weighing up to 900 pounds, sometimes wander far south of their normal Arctic range during unusually cold years. Males have dramatic black hood-like inflatable tissue on their heads. If you see a very large seal with unusual markings, document it and contact a local marine wildlife organization.

Winter and early spring, particularly January through March, bring the most seal sightings. Peak months show 109 sightings in January, 128 in February, and 160 in March. During this window, harbour and grey seals are most active near shore, hauled out on rocks or swimming in coastal bays. Summer months see very few seals, as the animals disperse into cooler offshore waters or migrate northward. If you plan a seal-watching trip, cold months offer the highest chance of success.

Seals require shallow rocky areas or sandy spits where they can rest safely between feeding trips. Cape May Point, Sandy Hook, and rocks throughout Delaware Bay are traditional hauling grounds. Many seals rest during low tide when rocks and shoals become exposed, making them easier to spot from shore. Barnegat Bay and the inlets between barrier islands also support seal populations. The Pine Barrens estuaries offer quieter habitat away from heavy boat traffic. Use binoculars to observe from a distance and never approach resting seals.

All four New Jersey seal species are fish and squid hunters. Harbor seals eat flounder, herring, cod, and other ground fish. Grey seals also hunt larger fish and occasionally take seabirds. Harp seals eat small fish and crustaceans. They dive to different depths depending on prey, with some species diving 600 feet or deeper. Winter presence in New Jersey waters is partly driven by seasonal fish migrations, which bring prey species south and create food-rich zones that attract seals.

Yes. Several tour operators along the coast, particularly from Cape May and in Delaware Bay, offer seal-watching opportunities. Most tours keep a safe distance, typically 100 feet or more from hauled-out seals, which respects their rest and feeding cycles. Binoculars and telephoto lenses provide the best viewing without disturbing animals. Early morning trips often yield better sightings as seals are more active before boat traffic increases. Always book with operators experienced in wildlife viewing so disturbance is minimized.

Yes. All seals in U.S. waters are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Intentionally harassing, pursuing, or closely approaching seals is illegal. The law defines harassment as any action that disrupts feeding, resting, or breeding behavior. Fishermen must report any seals entangled in nets and call a rescue organization. Supporting seal population recovery is a shared responsibility. If you spot an injured seal, contact the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Beach Haven or local wildlife agencies.