This time of year, beachgoers could see sad-looking harbor seal pups all alone on the beach. Though the seals may look abandoned and vulnerable, the best way to protect them is to stay away.
Adult harbor seals leave pups on the beach while they forage, said Victoria Souze, principal investigator for the Whatcom Marine Mammal Stranding Network (WMMSN).
The mother typically returns with food hours or even days later, unless people are around.
“That is normal behavior. She’s out foraging and the pup can’t keep up. It doesn’t have the blubber to stay in the water that long,” Souze said. “Unfortunately, mom will sometimes choose a beach that might be empty in the early morning but by 10 a.m. it’s full of people.”
With seal pup season underway, WMMSN is working to inform people that national guidelines require people to stay at least 100 yards away from marine mammals – the length of a football field.
Souze said this season requires a lot of outreach and education for the group because seal pups alone on a beach can cry and look distressed.
“When you’ve got a little baby crying on the beach it’s normal for people to want to intervene or help, and that’s the worst thing,” she said.
In Washington, seal pup season typically starts in June and lasts through September.
Those who are concerned about a lone seal pup should call WMMSN at 360/966-8845. The network can coordinate a seal sitter to make sure people leave the pup alone.
“Give us a call and we’ll assess the situation,” she said. “Just because a pup is alone, that doesn’t mean it’s going to die or is abandoned.”
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