WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Seal pup rescued at Alki

Thanks to Steyn Benade of Always Local Photos for that pic and word that a harbor-seal pup was rescued at Alki Beach today. We asked David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network what happened; he sent this photo and response:

A very young harbor seal pup was responded to by Seal Sitters today at Alki Beach. Volunteers established a perimeter and watched over the pup during the early afternoon. Given its poor body condition – it was very thin – it was felt that an intervention was required. SR3 in Des Moines was contacted and they arrived, captured the pup, and provided transport to their facility. On initial examination, it was determined that this was a nursing-age pup with no attending mother. Hopefully rehab will be successful.

We don’t know why the pup was abandoned, but if humans/pets get too close, that can scare the mom away from returning to her pup. (Both of the photos were taken with long lenses.) If you see a marine mammal on a West Seattle beach – or in distress offshore – call Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 206-905-SEAL.

Kszobota August 25, 2021 (10:59 pm)

I really hope this momma wasn’t frightened away by humans or pets , but since it was Alki beach, it’s pretty likely. Please please keep your dogs off designated No dogs beaches.

HS August 26, 2021 (6:38 am)

SR3 has a great website if you’d like to take a look. It was my first look and I’m really impressed. They also rely on donations and volunteers. https://www.sealifer3.org/

AmandaP August 26, 2021 (9:28 am)

Same goes for Lincoln Park. I can’t count the number of times I see off leash dogs in the water, on the beach, just feet from signs stating dogs need to be ON LEASH and are NOT ALLOWED ON THE BEACH.

anonyme August 26, 2021 (10:31 am)

I’ll never forget seeing an off-leash dog catch and kill a young cormorant in the water at Lincoln Park. It brought the dying bird to shore where the owner/mom with stroller and kids waited, non-plussed. Horrible and wrong on SO many levels.

Derek August 26, 2021 (12:10 pm)

I wish people of this city cared about the poor and houseless as much as they do animals… sigh
- KM August 26, 2021 (3:33 pm)
  
  This is an article about wildlife, Derek.
- anonyme August 27, 2021 (7:09 am)
  
  First of all Derek, humans are animals. Kingdom Animalia, Class Mammalia, Order Primates. Non-human animals suffer because of our actions and through no fault of their own. Human suffering is more often than not due to their own actions, and the actions of other humans. There was peace (or at least balance) before we drove our bulldozers into the garden. That said, why is it that you seem to think that compassion for non-humans precludes compassion for people? Why would it be impossible to feel both – or are you just speaking from your own inadequacy? Either way, I would think that the world needs more compassion all around, not less.

mermaid August 26, 2021 (12:40 pm)

So glad this seal pup has been rescued.

Not long ago I witnessed a group of kids throwing rocks aggressively into the water trying to hit ‘something they saw in the water that they didn’t know what it was or if it was alive or dead,’ as their adult was nearby absolutely unphased.

Please adults, monitor kids on the beach responsibly.

andreea August 26, 2021 (1:43 pm)

I gently and very politely asked a woman at Lincoln Park this week if she’d be willing to leash her dog, explaining this very reason. She looked at me like I had two heads and begrudgingly did it. Ugh.

Sorry, comment time is over.