An adorable little seal trying to get some sun in North Wildwood had its afternoon nap interrupted by too many onlookers, and had to be moved to avoid being harassed, rescuers said.

“We keep telling people, for 40 years, leave the animal alone,” said Bob Schoelkopf, founding director of the Brigantine-based Marine Mammal Stranding Center, which responded to the jetty in North Wildwood to take the seal Monday. “The animal belongs there.”

When temperatures drop, it’s not uncommon for seals to slip out of the water, taking some time to rest, dry off and warm up in the sun, he said. But the sight can alarm passersby, who think the animals are hurt or dying when they’re really just trying to get some rest.

The seal, which was about nine or 10 months old, was moved to another location Monday afternoon. Schoelkopf did not say where, as he does not want people flocking to the new location to get a look at the animal.

Anyone who sees seals resting along the shore should not try to feed them or take a picture. When threatened, the seals can bite, and can also act defensively if approached by dogs, Schoelkopf said.

If the seal does look truly injured, witnesses can call the center at 609-266-0538.

The center is currently caring for two injured seals suffering from respiratory issues, one with a laceration on its flipper, Schoelkopf said.

Amanda Hoover can be reached at ahoover@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @amandahoovernj. Find NJ.com on Facebook.