Harbor seal pup
Photo: The Marine Mammal Center
volunteer Rose Kerr

In California, seal pups are usually born between February and May, so young pups can be seen on many coastal beaches. The Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito has launched its yearly Leave Seals Be campaign to educate the public on the dangers posed to wildlife by well-meaning good Samaritans. Knowing what to do when you see a harbor or elephant seal pup alone on a beach can mean the difference between life and death for that animal. The following information is provided by The Marine Mammal Center.

About the Campaign

The Leave Seals Be campaign aims to discourage illegal pickups of newborn harbor seal pups. Sometimes members of the public mistakenly believe that they are helping a pup when they move it. But sadly, this action may cause more harm to the pup than good.

The best way to help an animal in distress is to call The Marine Mammal Center (415-289-SEAL), which is authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service to respond to stranded marine mammals along 600 miles of northern and central California coastline. Trained volunteers will go out and assess the situation to see if the pup really needs to be rescued. In many cases, the pup may be put under observation for 24–48 hours to see if the mother will return first. This observation period is key, because a mother may be nearby waiting for a chance to get back to her pup. Unless absolutely necessary, we never want to remove a pup from its mother during this critical nursing period. After all, there is no substitute for the antibodies the mother’s milk provides, and this is an extremely important time in the pup’s development.

Seven Steps to Save a Seal:
1. Don’t touch. Do not pick up or feed the animal.
2. Observe. Keep people and dogs at least 50 feet away.
3. Describe. Note physical characteristics such as size, presence of external earflaps and fur color.
4. Condition. Note the animal’s condition. Is it weak, underweight or wounded?
5. Identification. Are there any obvious ID tags or markings?
6. Location. Note the exact location.
7. From Mendocino to San Mateo Counties, call 415-289-SEAL.
In Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties, call 831-633-6298.
In San Luis Obispo County, call 805-771-8300.
Rescue hotlines are answered 24 hours a day.

Cover photo courtesy of The Marine Mammal Center.