Weather Alert

What to do if you see a seal in Delaware this winter

Madeleine Overturf
Madeleine Overturf
Evening Broadcast Journalist

Madeleine has been with Draper Media since 2016, when she first worked as Sussex County Bureau Chief. She helped launch the rebranded CoastTV in 2019. As co-anchor of CoastTV News at 5 and 6, Maddie helps organize the evening newscasts and performs managerial responsibilities such as helping find and assign stories, approving scripts, and making content decisions.

Author email
Dec 28, 2025
Dec 28, 2025 Updated Dec 28, 2025

LEWES, Del. — Winter is seal season in the Delaware Bay, and locals and visitors alike may catch a glimpse of one of these captivating marine mammals along the coast.

Several species of seals visit Delaware’s shoreline, including harp, hooded, gray and harbor seals, according to the DuPont Nature Center.

While it can be exciting to encounter a seal on the beach, wildlife experts urge people to admire from a distance. Often, they come ashore simply to rest and should not be disturbed.

DNREC SEAL PHOTO — Several species of seals visit Delaware’s shoreline, including harp, hooded, gray and harbor seals, according to the DuPont Nature Center.

Several species of seals visit Delaware’s shoreline, including harp, hooded, gray and harbor seals, according to the DuPont Nature Center.

“How would you react if a stranger woke you up from a nap?” the DuPont Nature Center shared in a reminder. Federal law requires that people and pets remain at least 150 feet away from seals.

If you spot a seal, experts recommend reporting the sighting to the Marine Education, Research, and Rehabilitation Institute by calling 302-228-5029. This helps monitor the health and activity of marine mammals along the coast.

Madeleine Overturf

Evening Broadcast Journalist

Madeleine has been with Draper Media since 2016, when she first worked as Sussex County Bureau Chief. She helped launch the rebranded CoastTV in 2019. As co-anchor of CoastTV News at 5 and 6, Maddie helps organize the evening newscasts and performs managerial responsibilities such as helping find and assign stories, approving scripts, and making content decisions.