Are ringed seals friendly to humans?
Interestingly, biologists have also found that the more confident and enthusiastic the seals are, the longer they need to be weaned. This research could be key to learning more about the personalities, traits, and characteristics of these animals, especially how these things relate to their social hierarchy and interactions.
That’s what we’re here to find out. At Deep Sea World, we spend a lot of time with these beautiful animals, and so we’ve gotten to know their temperaments, behaviors, and habits well. Although they’re full of unique personalities, our seals are friendly because they interact with us every day and have grown up with the humans around them. If left unmolested, seals pose no threat to humans and can be quite friendly.
So if you’ve ever wondered, “Are seals friendly?” then this post is for you. Before introducing you to some of the residents of the Seal Harbor exhibit, we’ll take a closer look at the typical personality traits of seals
In the wild, seals are naturally wary of humans and stay away from people. They are not aggressive in any way, but there have been cases of seals displaying aggressive behavior toward humans, especially when they feel threatened or are protecting their pups.
In sanctuaries like Deep Sea World’s Seal Harbor, however, it’s a completely different story. Once these animals feel safe and comfortable, their personalities really come through.
Seals can be shy, timid, and quiet, or incredibly friendly, playful, and confident — just like people. In fact, recent research suggests that seals exhibit these behaviors within their colonies in the wild, forming close bonds with animals based on their personalities and characteristics.
Seals in the wild can be relatively shy and quiet, but it’s important to stay away from them, even if they’re friendly. This is for their safety as much as yours.
Since seals are naturally wary of humans, getting too close can disrupt their daily routines — whether it’s eating, sleeping, mating, or grooming. And it can have a surprisingly big impact, with pups separated from their mothers, missing out on opportunities to catch food and being injured running over sharp rocks trying to escape.
Of course, it’s perfectly fine to watch wild seals from a distance, and the UK is one of the best places in the world to do so. There are many seal colonies on our coasts, so it’s relatively common to catch a glimpse of common, grey and harbour seals.
However, it’s always important to do this quietly and from a distance. If you see a group of seals, keep your dogs under close supervision and do not approach the animals, even if they seem friendly and curious.
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