Rebecca Manzi A seal was spotted in the Lower Oder Valley (Germany) while sunbathing: it is not known at the moment which species it is
@Naturwacht Nationalpark Unteres Odertal
The recent discovery of a seal in the Lower Oder Valley near Schwedt, Germany, has sparked significant interest among local residents and wildlife experts. This captivating marine mammal was seen basking on the German and Polish banks of the Oder River, approximately 75 miles from the Baltic Sea, over the past weekend.
Initial sighting
The first sighting was reported by local fishermen and later confirmed by the park rangers of the Lower Oder Valley National Park. The seal, appearing quite at ease, was photographed lounging on a sandbank, occasionally lifting its head or yawning. Even the presence of a nearby cargo ship only slightly startled the animal, showing its general comfort in the riverine environment.
Christian Ehrke, a national park ranger, stated that the exact species of the seal is still unknown. To determine this, marine biology experts from the Ozeaneum in Stralsund have been consulted. It is possibly a common seal, though the less likely possibility of a young gray seal has not been ruled out.
Why is it so far from its natural habitat?
This sighting is particularly rare. The last time a seal was seen in the Lower Oder Valley was in 2012, although gray seals were spotted in the Rügen area back in 2004. The Oder River in this region has no transverse structures or obstacles, facilitating the migration of not only fish but also occasional visitors like this seal.
The reason for this seal’s presence so far from its natural habitat remains a mystery. Seals are known to explore estuaries and rivers in search of food or new environments, but a sighting this far inland is unusual. Marine biologists note that the transition from saltwater to freshwater does not pose a significant problem for these creatures, as they can easily find food in river environments.
Safety recommendations
Park rangers advise river users to maintain a safe distance of at least 330 feet from the seal to avoid disturbing it. This respect is crucial, as seals, despite their fascinating nature, are among the largest natural predators in Germany.
