by KATU StaffMon, April 17th 2023, 4:57 AM PDT
https://katu.com/news/local/baby-harbor-seals-start-popping-up-along-pacific-northwest-coast
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Baby harbor seal via Tiffany Boothe/SeasideAquarium
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SEASIDE, Ore. — Spring is in the air and seal pups are about to start popping up along the Pacific Northwest coast, according to the Seaside Aquarium!
The Seaside Aquarium says that Oregon and Washington typically see harbor seals born throughout spring and into late summer, while California may see pups as early as February.
These baby seals use time on land to regulate body temperature and rest while their mothers hunt nearby. However, the mother may not return if humans are too close. Thus, wildlife experts suggest giving seal pups plenty of space, observing them from a distance, and while they are absolutely adorable… do not touch them! The Aquarium states that any interference from humans could cause early separation between the newborn pup and mother and could be detrimental to the pup’s ability to survive.
Female seals birth annually, and use familiar coastal shores or estuary areas with easy access to water to have their pups. New seals can immediately swim, but stay close and ride on their mother’s back while they mature.
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Marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Under this federal law, it is illegal to move, touch, harass, feed, or kill marine mammals. The Aquarium says that human encroachment and domestic dog interaction are big challenges for the health and well-being of both young and mature seals.
The Seaside Aquarium asks that if you come across a seal pup, please contact the Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Local wildlife officials will post educational signs that encourage the public to keep a safe distance away from the animal while the situation is monitored by experts. Experts state that most of the time the animal is healthy and in need of rest before it rejoins with its mother or re-enters the water.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Network responds to sightings of seal pups and other injured or dead marine mammal. Responders will act as quickly as possible to assess the situation and obtain information and observations about the animal in question.
For the northern Oregon and southern Washington coast, the Seaside Aquarium is the local responder for the Marine Mammal Stranding Network and can be contacted at 503.738.6211. If a stranded marine mammal is found elsewhere, the Marine Mammal Hotline at 1.800.452.7888 and they will contact the appropriate stranding network responder for the area.
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Last year the Seaside Aquarium says it responded to and placed signs on 21 harbor seal pups, all of which successfully left the beach.
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Reblogged this on Committee to Abolish Sport Hunting Blog.
Beautiful.