Child-friendly seal walk at Cupsogue Beach County Park allows children to experience wildlife up close and in its natural habitat, creating a winter attraction out East. Normally a popular spot during the summer for vacationers or New York City residents, thousands trek out to the famed Hamptons with the warming of the water.
However, from late winter to spring, Grey and Harbor seals can be sighted on Long Island's beaches, as well as rarer arctic species like Harp Seals, Hooded Seals, and Ringed Seals. Due to the CRESLI's escorted tours where rules for observation are enforced, creating a friendly environment for the seals with minimal human disturbance, these seal populations have been returning in greater numbers in the past years.
These beautiful animals are historically significant to Long Island, having visited the eastern forks of the island for many years, and their varieties include native Long Island seals, which are Phocid, or non-eared seals.
While on a seal walk in Cupsogue Beach, it's important to heed the body language of the seals since they will signal when they're uncomfortable with how close you are to them. They'll increase their vocalizations, move back into the water from the rocks or sand, or lift their heads and stare at you. 50 yards is the recommended closest length you can get to them, since disturbing them can lead to many dramatic and negative consequences, such as causing them to become tired and prone to predation, or abandonment and death of seal pups.
To experience the seals of Long Island for yourself, make a reservation with CRESLI. The cost of your donation is $5 for adults and $3 for children.
Available tour dates for the 2010 season for Cupsogue Beach include:
01/24/10
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
01/30/10
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
02/07/10
8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
02/13/10
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
02/14/10
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
02/27/10
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
03/13/10
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
03/14/10
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
03/28/10
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM
04/10/10
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
04/11/10
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
04/18/10
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM
04/24/10
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
04/25/10
11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
05/08/10
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
05/09/10
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
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