Season’s 1st West Seattle seal-pup visit brings urgent reminder

August 9, 2011 at 10:25 pm | In West Seattle beaches, West Seattle news, Wildlife | 5 Comments

(Photo courtesy Robin Lindsey)
Seal-pup season has officially begun on West Seattle beaches, with this little one’s visit to Lincoln Park today. Shelley first told us about it; we checked with Robin Lindsey of Seal Sitters, and they were of course all over the case (here’s the full story on the Seal Sitters “Blubberblog”). But Robin says the arrival of the pup they dubbed “Tiny” – so little, they believe it was a newborn – brings an urgent reminder: When you spot a pup on the beach, stay as far back as possible, and call Seal Sitters ASAP – 206-905-SEAL. A pup might be scared back into the water if people (or other animals) get too close, and that could be deadly, because its mom, who left it on the beach so she could go find food, might not find the pup again. (There’s already been a dead seal pup near Alki Point, and a dead adult seal along Beach Drive. Robin says Seal Sitters – whose mission has expanded – and NOAA want ALL reports of marine mammals, dead or alive, so whatever you spot, call that hotline, 206-905-SEAL – keep it handy.)

ADDED WEDNESDAY MORNING: Robin says another expert’s evaluation of the photo confirms the suspicion that the pup still had a bit of “umbilicus” attached – so it’s likely no more than a week and a half old, and she thinks it’ll probably turn up on the West Seattle shore again today. PLEASE call if you see it.

5 Comments

  1. I just added the number to my smartphone, but had to search for the numerical # first. Here it is, in case others want to add Seal Sitters to their contact lists:

    206-905-7325

    Love the photo!

    Comment by wsbliss — 6:26 am August 10, 2011 #

  2. What a cutie!

    Comment by Dc — 7:22 am August 10, 2011 #

  3. This is a cute and important reason for leashed dogs. Please keep your dog on its leash and remind other to do the same.

    Comment by Marianne — 8:59 am August 10, 2011 #

  4. I will echo Marianne’s reminder and remind all dog owners that dogs are not allowed on any beaches in public parks, leashed or otherwise. I know dogs love to be on beaches, but with the rich marine life we enjoy in this little slice of heaven we call Seattle, the beaches are no place for any dog. Additionally, if your dog approaches any marine mammal on the beach, the fines can be astronomical! Penalties can be up to $10,000 per violation under the marine mammals protection act.
    http://wildlifelaw.unm.edu/fedbook/mmpa.html

    Comment by Jimmy — 9:41 am August 10, 2011 #

  5. That’s one super cute beach visitor… What a little sweetie… Admire from a far, don’t want its momma to abandon him/her. Look at that face..

    Comment by S — 9:15 pm August 10, 2011 #

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