Safe distance to remain from harbor seal haul-out?

• A. 50 feet
• B. 100 feet
• C. 150 feet
• D. 300 feet

Answer: (C)

Protecting hauled-out harbor seals from disturbance is the main idea. When seals haul out to rest, even small wakes, noise, or a kayak getting too close can cause them to flush back into the water. This wastes energy, can stress mothers and pups, and disrupts their resting time. About 150 feet provides a practical buffer where most seals won’t react to your presence, allowing them to rest with minimal disturbance. Closer distances—like 50 or 100 feet—are more likely to disturb them, while 300 feet would be more conservative than necessary for typical observation in this setting. If you see any signs of disturbance, back off further and give them more space.