OCEAN SHORES — A harbor seal pup that spent three months at the Progressive Animal Welfare Society shelter in Lynnwood is back in the wild.

Nearly six months old now, it was released Tuesday on a sand bar at Ocean Shores. After a little hesitation, it swam out of sight.

KXRO reports that a vacationing couple picked up the pup in May on a Westport beach, thinking it was abandoned. Wildlife officials say the pup’s mother was likely off fishing, and seals found on beaches should be left alone.

PAWS raised the seal with minimal contact, so it wouldn’t become used to humans.

Information from: KXRO-AM, www.kxro.com