ALBANY - This seal traveled a long way for food.

Late Monday, the state Department of Environmental Conservation confirmed that a harbor seal made its way up the Hudson River to around Green Island, about eight miles north of downtown Albany.

"DEC marine mammal experts identified this as harbor seal," the agency said.

"During the winter, harbor seals are found in lower New York Harbor, but these seals do travel this far up the Hudson from time to time following food."

A local crew coach spotted the harbor seal and sent the photos to the DEC.

They show the grayish seal sitting on a bed of ice in the river.

This is the time of year for seals to be spotted in the Hudson River, and one was seen Monday in the Mamaroneck Harbor in Westchester County.

On its website, the DEC said the Hudson River can get a fair share of seals as they look for food.

"Present all year round, they are never plentiful, but easiest to see when their dark bodies contrast sharply against an ice flow," the agency said. "Young harp seals have also been showing up in recent years."

The DEC advises people who spot the seals to not be particularly alarmed.

"Often people suspect these seals of being injured or even dead —strangely enough, that stiff 'banana' posture is how seals often rest," the agency said.

But the agency said that if a seal appears injured or sick, people should call the Riverhead Foundation, a Long Island-based marine conservation group.

It has a 24-hour hotline at (631) 369-9829.

Also, if the seal found near Albany is seen again, the DEC said people can share their photos and information at socialmedia@dec.ny.gov.

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