Seal Pup Rescued in Montauk, Recovering Well In Riverhead

The gray seal that was found in Montauk entangled in fishing gear last weekend is recuperating nicely at the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation.

Kim Durham, the rescue program coordinator and a biologist, said on Friday evening that the female pup began eating on her own a few days ago, much to the relief of the staff.

The pup was found wrapped in a trawler net on a beach off Ranch Road on Sunday. Durham said a fragment was lodged in her body, which caused an infection for which she is being treated. She is also underweight at about 30 pounds.

"Our veterinarians are pleased with the progress of healing on her neck wound," Durham said. She is currently on antibiotics.

"Her disposition has a bit to be desired but all things considered our team will not take it personally," Durham said.

The seal has been a bit of a handful since the start. She has snapped and lunged at rescuers.

As a reminder, the foundation's 24-Hour Stranding Hotline is 631-369-9829.