WEST SEATTLE WILDLIFE: Seal captured at Don Armeni Boat Ramp, taken to rehab

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

(Photos by James Tilley)

Two readers sent us photos of that harbor seal, noticing that Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network was watching it today at Don Armeni Boat Ramp. We then asked Seal Sitters’ David Hutchinson about the response:

Seal Sitters watched over this young seal until SR3 arrived. Based on their onsite visual health assesment, they captured the seal and transported it to their Des Moines facility for further examination and rehab.

There have been 2 Seal Sitter responses to young Harbor seals in the last two days. Yesterday, a seal was reported on private property along Beach Drive. Based on the initial assessment by Seal Sitters’ first responder, this animal was a candidate for pickup. However, due to increasing darkness and difficulty accessing the site, it was decided to leave it in place. The reporting party agreed to call if the seal was still there in the morning.

One of the readers who sent a photo of today’s seal sighting, Rick, also recorded video of SR3 capturing the seal for transport.

P.S. We don’t know whether this seal is one of the two in the photo we featured with this morning’s event list.

DR January 25, 2025 (5:41 pm)

What happens next if a seal goes to rehab? What is the process? Will a baby seal be able to be released in the wild without its mother?

KK50 January 26, 2025 (12:22 pm)

In the wild , Seal pups are weaned by 4-6 weeks and are on their own without the mother.
Casey January 27, 2025 (9:14 am)

Great questions DR! Each case is different and their course of treatment will vary depending on what injuries or illnesses they may have. This young pup was born this past summer and already weaned from mom and surviving on her in wild. She’s also a perfect example that you can not see injuries or determine illness by observing animals on the beach. It was clear she was severely underweight and dehydrated but to determine the cause of those conditions a full examination and diagnostics such as blood work and fecal samples were needed. During her exam we discovered a respiratory and urogenital tract infection. She is being treated for these conditions and we are cautiously optimistic that she reached care in time to recover and return to the wild. I encourage you to sign up for our newsletter at SR3.org or our many social media channels for the latest updates. Thank you for caring about our local marine wildlife! Response by: SR3 Sealife Response, Rehab and Research Staff