MYSTIC, Conn. (WPRI) — The rare hooded seal spotted eating rocks in Providence earlier this year has returned to the ocean.

The female seal, now named Nova, was released Tuesday morning at Blue Shutters Beach in Charlestown.

Mystic Aquarium's Animal Rescue Program first received reports of Nova's presence in the capital city back in September.

Sarah Callan, who manages the Animal Rescue Program, said the hooded seal is an Arctic species that is used to eating packed ice and snow.

Callan said Nova became stressed and, in lieu of packed ice, started eating rocks. That's when the Animal Rescue Program brought her to Mystic Aquarium for critical care and rehabilitation.

Nova was severely dehydrated with a stomach full of rocks and dangerously low sodium levels. Callan said Nova has since passed the rocks and is ready to return to her natural habitat.

The hooded seal has been outfitted with a satellite tag and acoustic tag, which will allow Mystic Aquarium to track her movements.

"This case has been incredibly special and unique for our team," Callan said. "Not only did we have the rare opportunity to work with such an extraordinary species, but the data we'll gather from the satellite and acoustic tags will be vital in understanding how our ever-changing environment impacts species both locally and globally, especially because this was an Arctic species found so far down south."

Callan said this was the first time the species was spotted in Rhode Island since 2013.