CANNON BEACH, Ore. -- Animal experts are urging people to stay away from an elephant seal that’s arousing a lot of curiosity and concern on the Oregon Coast.

The elephant seal is molting, which looks quite odd to anyone who doesn't know about the mammals' natural cycles. Like when a snake sheds its skin, elephant seals shed their entire epidermal layer, leaving the remnants strewn on the beaches.

Experts said even though it may appear that something is wrong with the seal, spotted at Cannon Beach, it’s something that this type of animal actually does every year, and it’s quite normal.

This particular molting seal has parked itself on the beach and signs warn people to stay away. The seal will probably remain there for about two weeks before returning to the ocean and it won't eat while molting, either.