Category Archives: Cape Cod Beaches

Sea Creature Unearthed At Coast Guard Beach On Cape Cod?

The other morning when we were taking a walk in Coast Guard Beach, we came across this “sea creature” sticking out from the sand.  It looked like the recent erosion from various storms had unearthed it from the dunes. (Click on blog link for other photo.)

I wonder how long it has been buried in the sand. After adding a clam shell eye, it looks just like a creature you might find at the deepest ocean’s depths, don’t you think?

 

 

Harp Seal Resting On This Cape Cod Beach With The Help Of IFAW.

We all should be so thankful  to IFAW, the International Fund for Animal Welfare, for their  work around the globe to rescue and rehabilitate wildlife. (Click on blog link for other photos.)

I took a walk to the beach yesterday when I saw a car in the parking lot that had an IFAW sign in its window, so I knew something was going on. As I walked down the beach, I saw 2 white signs on the beach a good distance apart. There was also a volunteer from IFAW who was guarding the Harp Seal who was resting up on the beach. It is recommended that people stay at least 100 feet away from these endangered seals.

We had an interesting discussion while he described the number of seals that IFAW has rescued in the past few days on the Cape, which was quite a few.

The Harp Seal lives in the cold waters of the North Atlantic and  Arctic Oceans. They will “ungulate” their bodies to produce forward movement so they can move up onto the beach to rest. They will head back to the water at a later high tide.  Interesting fact: The Harp Seals get their name from the black spot on their back that looks like a harp.

I sure was at the beach at the perfect time. What a great experience! Have you ever seen a Harp Seal?