I witnessed a baby seal playing in a tide pool. I was too close when it came to the surface from swimming in forward rolls. I backed away fast as I could. Mamma would be out fishing. A while back a woman refused to put her dog on leash. The dog chased a baby seal and I couldn’t stop it. There are federal laws protecting marine mammals from any direct or indirect interference —“including harassment, hunting, capturing, collecting, or killing”. “You’re too close if an animal starts to stare, fidget, or flee into the water. Even if you don’t see these reactions, keep yourself and your pets at least 50 yards away (1/2 a football field). Keep your dog on a leash around seals or sea lions to prevent bites to the dog and the seals or sea lions. And never feed or attempt to feed a seal or sea lion—it’s harmful and illegal.”