It's that time of year again. As newborn seal pups venture out on their own after being weaned from their mothers, they are appearing on Pacific Northwest Beaches. If you beach-goers happen to see pups on the shores—pay attention here folks—you should stay as far away from them as possible.
As Sydney reminded us last summer, their big black eyes are not imploring you to "save" them. In fact, if you get too close, you may just end up killing them with your good intentions.
According to the Associated Press, there have already been five incidents of NW residents illegally picking up seal pups from the beach, which have ultimately resulted in two deaths.
State wildlife officials had to euthanize one harbor seal pup last month after a woman picked it up on a beach in Westport, Washington, and apparently carried it back to a house in a shopping tote. The animal was later determined to be unresponsive and lethargic, [the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's spokesman Michael] Milstein said.
Another couple found a seal pup on the beach in Garibaldi, Oregon, and fearing the animal was alone or abandoned, wrapped the seal in a beach towel, put it in their car and placed it in their shower at home, said Kristin Wilkinson, NOAA's regional stranding coordinator. Wildlife officers returned that seal to the beach where it was found but the animal was found dead the next day, she said. That couple received a written warning.
When Sydney caught up with West Seattle's Seal Sitters co-founder Robin Lindsey last year, Lindsey explained that the interactions can cause the seal pups extreme stress. "All those calories that they're spending to get away from people or dogs are calories they can't afford to lose. Just that act of scaring them [into the water] can put them over the edge where they can't make it," she said.
To prevent more seal pup deaths, NOAA launched the Share the Shore campaign. From their pamphlets:
Be considerate of mothers and pups. Seals and sea lions come ashore to rest, regulate their body temperature, and nurse their young. It is normal for mothers to leave pups behind while they are feeding offshore (up to 24 hours). Keep your distance so mom can return to care for her pup.
NOAA also instructs beach-goers to remain 100 yards away from seal pups and to keep their dogs leashed. If anyone happens to come across a stranded or dead animal, they can call 1-866-767-6114 to alert the organization.
