WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Seal-pup season reminder

| West Seattle beaches | West Seattle news | Wildlife

David Hutchinson of Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network sent that photo of an adult harbor seal resting off a submerged rock off Constellation Park with this gentle nudge:

Just a reminder that we are in the middle of harbor-seal pupping season. Moms nurse their pups for only 4 -6 weeks Then these vulnerable young marine mammals are on their own and typically end up on our West Seattle beaches this time of year, hauling out to rest and warm up. If you come across one, please call the Seal Sitters hotline at 206-905-7325.

The alternate way to remember that number is 206-905-SEAL.

PigeonRidge Ben August 9, 2024 (6:02 pm)

Off leash dogs will be shot 📸

Lucy August 9, 2024 (6:15 pm)

Dog owners, please keep your dogs off the beach!

Atheist August 9, 2024 (7:44 pm)

God forbid we actually enforce a law. Dog owners obey the law.

How can we help? August 9, 2024 (8:58 pm)

The off-leash scofflaws are beyond reproach. They actually pride themselves on their entitlement; I’ve encountered my share. The Animal Control folks don’t seem empowered to actually do their jobs and actively enforce the “no dogs on beach” laws, specifically Lincoln Park, Lowman and even Alki proper, where the mother seals might leave their pups while they go out to feed. I know that Seal Sitters actively cordon off areas of the beach when a pup is discovered; what about preemptive efforts during seal season? I would happily volunteer to post-up at either end of a beach for hours on end just to tell these rude folks that there are laws against their entitled ways, pup on the beach or not. Maybe a more direct approach to actually enforce the laws during peak pup-season would get some traction? Would love to hear from a Seal Sitters member; you have tons of people ready to help!

Chris August 9, 2024 (10:15 pm)

I cannot believe the audacity some dog owners have to let their dogs run wild and free all over Alki beach when the tide is out and the Blue Herrons, eagles, and other wildlife are trying to use the shoreline to eat and survive. I asked one dog owner if he was aware of the no dog on beach rule (as his dog raced around scaring all the birds away). He replied, “It’s ok, I live here”. When I told him I live here too, he asked sarcastically if I was the police. I wish I was. The wildlife has no voice. Its only option is to fly away. We need to make at least a tiny little effort to enforce the no dog on beach rule.

KB August 9, 2024 (11:47 pm)

FYI for folks who see off leash folks on the beach, animal control does patrols in part based on complaints/reports like that! You can file online.

Matt August 10, 2024 (6:59 am)

As a dog owner ( who respects the rules), I severely miss not one but 2 different off leash dog beaches we used to have when we lived in San Diego. I would bet designating a dog beach or two would help the problem a lot!

Oakley34 August 10, 2024 (8:00 am)

I’ve owned a dog for ten years in West Seattle. We’re out in the local parks at least 4-5 days a week (on leash) and I have only encountered an animal control enforcement patrol once. Just once in ten years. I’ve probably encountered hundreds of off leash dogs in that time.

Astrocat August 10, 2024 (8:28 am)

KB – please elaborate more on how to file online. Just for the record? Is there any way to do it for immediate action?

Kersti Muul August 10, 2024 (9:09 am)

You need to call EVERY time. That’s the only way to get emphasis patrols at a location.

Kersti Muul August 10, 2024 (1:19 pm)

You can also file a complaint on the find it fix it app. The more they get, the more they will be likely to do something

Lucy August 10, 2024 (5:00 pm)

It’s the principal of the thing. We all enjoy the parks. There are rules. The rules are why the parks are pleasant. YOU ARE NOT SPECIAL. please be considerate. Not everyone likes your dog.

Ly August 11, 2024 (12:26 am)

So annoying to see dogs just walking leash free all over the beach. Need more signs up and phone numbers to call animal control. Can’t animal control just send their people on patrol even twice a week? I wish they could.

Chris August 11, 2024 (6:32 am)

Definitely need more signage. Animal Control should patrol during low tide and in the mornings. Those are especially when the beach looks like an off leash park.

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