The Hudson River contains a vast amount of sea life. Recently, a harbor seal surfaced in the river amid the mild winter.
Harbor seals, also called seadogs, have used the Hudson River in the past. The organization Scenic Hudson reported, “It’s curious to observe a seadog in the Hudson Valley, but seals have always used the river as a habitat, so their occasional presence is nothing to be alarmed about.” Scenic Hudson representatives attributed the mild winter to making the water more hospitable for the presence of harbor seals.
A seadog was recently spotted lounging on the sandy shore of the river’s Haverstraw Bay at Emeline Park, located just south of the Bear Mountain Bridge, by enthusiasts at the Haverstraw Brick Museum.
Scenic Hudson advises that if anyone is fortunate enough to spot this seasonal visitor, keep a distance and do not feed them. Sightings can be reported to the New York Marine Rescue Center at (631) 369-9829.