Seal Blocks Traffic on New Jersey Road

Viral video shows a grey seal wandering onto a busy road on Long Beach Island, NJ, causing a traffic jam.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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A grey seal was spotted blocking traffic on a busy road in Harvey Cedars, New Jersey on Long Beach Island this week. The unusual sighting was captured on video and quickly went viral. Authorities were called to the scene and were able to safely transport the seal to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine.

Why it matters

Seal sightings at the Jersey Shore, while not entirely uncommon, are still relatively rare occurrences. This incident highlights the unpredictable nature of wildlife and the need for proper protocols to handle these situations and ensure the safety of both the animal and the public.

The details

The video shows the seal casually walking along the road, causing drivers to stop and observe the unusual scene. Authorities arrived shortly after and were able to safely corral the seal and transport it to the nearby stranding center. It was noted that the seal appeared to be slightly underweight, though otherwise in good health.

  • The incident occurred this past week in Harvey Cedars on Long Beach Island, New Jersey.

The players

Marine Mammal Stranding Center

A wildlife rehabilitation center located in Brigantine, New Jersey that specializes in rescuing and caring for stranded marine mammals along the Jersey Shore.

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What’s next

The seal will be evaluated and cared for at the Marine Mammal Stranding Center before being released back into the wild once it has regained its strength.

The takeaway

This unusual sighting serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation efforts and the need for the public to be aware of proper protocols when encountering wild animals, even in urban or suburban areas.