Meet The Saugerties Seal: A Freshwater Marvel Defying Marine Norms

Nestled in the Hudson Valley lies Saugerties, a picturesque village that has recently become home to an unexpected visitor: a male harbor seal known fondly as the "Saugerties seal." Since August 2019, this charming marine mammal has been delighting locals and visitors alike with his sporadic appearances in the Esopus Creek, a tributary of the Hudson River.

The last confirmed sighting of the seal was at the Saugerties Lighthouse last fall, said Patrick Landewe, who has tended the lighthouse for the last 15 years. But according to some eyewitnesses, the marine mammal appears to be back this year at his usual spot on the Hudson River tributary.

Originally hailing from Maine, the Saugerties seal's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Likely abandoned as a pup by his mother, he found himself under the care of a rescue center in Connecticut. Released in Rhode Island in early 2019, he embarked on a journey that led him to Saugerties, approximately 100 miles upstream from the mouth of the Hudson River.

Seals Normally Prefer Saltwater

Despite being a marine mammal, the Saugerties seal's choice of freshwater habitat is highly unusual, puzzling local wildlife officials. Yet, his extended stay in the Hudson River defies conventional expectations for harbor seals, showcasing a level of affinity and fidelity to freshwater rarely seen in his species.

Last April, the seal disappeared from the Saugerties area, leaving wildlife officials bewildered. Fortunately, he was later rescued by the New York Marine Rescue Center, receiving treatment for an infection and a skin condition known as "seal pox." Following his release last summer, expectations were high that the seal would venture out to sea.

However, in a surprising turn of events, he made a triumphant return to Saugerties in August, marking the culmination of a remarkable journey spanning over 200 miles upstream. His enduring presence serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and wonder that await in the unlikeliest of places, leaving an indelible mark on all who encounter him.