WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Seal-pup season still busy

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network sent the photo, explaining that it shows ‘a young harbor seal pup recently responded to by Seal Sitters and transported to SR3 with potential respiratory issues.” This was one of “14 different live harbor seal pups including 2 today” to which Seal Sitters has responded since July 1st; in all, they’ve responded to 47 calls about live and dead marine mammals, sometimes with multiple responses for one animal “that may haul out at different locations or on different dates.” To report a marine mammal to SSMMSN, call 206-905-SEAL. (And keep your distance – photos like these are taken from a distance with long lenses,)

Jort October 8, 2021 (11:11 am)

Meanwhile, Lincoln Park’s beaches somehow continue to be an off-leash area for the “It’s OK if I do it, because I am special” crowd. Put your dog on a leash, or give it up for adoption if you can’t handle it.

David Hutchinson October 8, 2021 (2:03 pm)

UPDATE on the seal pup in the photo: The preliminary report from Casey Mclean, Executive Director of SR3, states that the pup in the photo was started on medications and fluids for stabilization and rested comfortably overnight. Late this morning the pup received a full exam by their Marine Mammal Veterinarian. She has numerous infected puncture wounds on her back and a likely upper respiratory infection. We are unsure what the wounds are from and her prognosis is guarded. The veterinary team will continue to closely monitor her condition. Seal Sitters has taken 4 harbor seal pups in for care since August 25th. The facility currently has 12 patients in care.

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