NEW PICTURES TONIGHT SHOWING A RARE SIGHT IN VOLUSIA COUNTY. A HARBOR SEAL OUT ON A SANDBAR IN THE MOSQUITO LAGOON ON MONDAY. IT’S ABOUT FIVE MILES SOUTH OF PONCE INLET. HUBBS SEAWORLD RESEARCH INSTITUTE SAYS THIS IS ONLY THE SECOND TIME IN 20 YEARS A HARBOR SEAL HAS BEEN STRANDED IN FLORIDA. THEY WERE ABLE TO EVALUATE ITS CONDITION BEFORE THE ANIMAL TOOK OFF INTO THE WATER, AND IT HASN’T BEEN SEEN AGAIN. HARBOR SEALS ARE A PROTECTED MAMMAL
‘Extremely rare’: Harbor seal spotted on sandbar of Central Florida beach
Updated: 6:22 PM EDT Mar 11, 2026
A seal was found on a sandbar in Volusia County on Monday, marking an extremely rare occurrence in Florida, according to Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI).HSWRI received a report of a possible seal on a sandbar in the Mosquito Lagoon about 5 miles south of Ponce Inlet. They were able to evaluate its condition and take photos before it took off into the water.There have been two previous sightings of seals in Florida in the last 20 years, making this an extremely rare occurrence, according to HSWRI.Harbor seals are usually found seasonally from the mid-Atlantic United States to the Canadian Arctic. They rarely travel south of North Carolina.The seal has not been seen again since re-entering the water. If you happen to spot this seal, HSWRI asks that you please call stranding responders right away.In Florida, call 1-888-404-3922.Stay at least 100 yards (300 feet) away, and keep your dogs on a leash.If the animal reacts to your presence, you are too close.Do not touch, pick up, or attempt to feed the seal.If possible, take a photo or video to help responders confirm the sighting and assess the animal’s condition in the likely case it disappears again.Harbor seals, like all marine mammals, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is against the law to feed or harass them, which includes any action that might disturb their behavior.
VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. —
A seal was found on a sandbar in Volusia County on Monday, marking an extremely rare occurrence in Florida, according to Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI).
HSWRI received a report of a possible seal on a sandbar in the Mosquito Lagoon about 5 miles south of Ponce Inlet.
There have been two previous sightings of seals in Florida in the last 20 years, making this an extremely rare occurrence, according to HSWRI.
Harbor seals are usually found seasonally from the mid-Atlantic United States to the Canadian Arctic. They rarely travel south of North Carolina.
The seal has not been seen again since re-entering the water. If you happen to spot this seal, HSWRI asks that you please call stranding responders right away.
In Florida, call 1-888-404-3922.Stay at least 100 yards (300 feet) away, and keep your dogs on a leash.If the animal reacts to your presence, you are too close.Do not touch, pick up, or attempt to feed the seal.If possible, take a photo or video to help responders confirm the sighting and assess the animal’s condition in the likely case it disappears again.
Harbor seals, like all marine mammals, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is against the law to feed or harass them, which includes any action that might disturb their behavior.