BEVERLY, Mass. — Officials are considering whether a “rescue attempt” for the seal that has been hanging out in Shoe Pond in Beverly for the past week is necessary.
Officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration went out on the pond Wednesday morning and divers from the Beverly Fire Department entered the water to assess the conditions of the pond and a possible pathway out for the seal.
The gray seal, which has been nicknamed Shoebert, moved from the lower part of the pond into the larger upper pond on its own, according to NOAA.
“We are consulting with our local stranding network partners who are the experts in stranding response to consider all options that ensure the continued well-being of the seal,” officials said. “This information will better inform our response teams, in the instance that a rescue is necessary.”
Officials have put up yellow tape and signs to keep people from getting too close to the seal. NOAA officials also want to remind onlookers to keep yourself and dogs at least 150 feet away from the seal.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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