In the heart of the Pacific Northwest, particularly along Washington’s coast and the Salish Sea, an important phenomenon occurs each year—harbor seal pupping season from May to September.
During this time, marine wildlife rehabilitators are actively engaged in educating the public about the behavior and natural development of these seals, particularly the pups that are born and temporarily left alone while their mothers feed nearby.
Many newcomers to the area, like a long-time wildlife rehab volunteer from Wisconsin who relocated to Seattle, initially struggle to understand the advice against touching or intervening with stranded baby seals. This confusion is not unusual.
The volunteer, who had ample experience rescuing and re-nesting birds, found herself perplexed when she discovered that baby seals are often best left alone, despite being separated from their mothers.
Under the guidance of SR3, the only hospital in the Pacific Northwest dedicated to marine wildlife, she learned about the development and survival strategies of harbor seal pups.
During the initial weeks of life, harbor seal pups depend on their mothers for nourishment, feeding primarily on fatty milk for four to six weeks. This crucial phase enables them to grow physically, almost doubling in size, and teaches them important skills such as foraging in order to thrive in the wild.
While the mother is off looking for food, it’s entirely normal for a healthy baby seal to rest on the beach or rocks. Casey Mclean, LVT and Executive Director of SR3, emphasizes that pups will communicate with their mothers while apart. The sounds may seem distressed, but these calls are completely normal, and mothers can hear their pups from half a mile away.
However, human intervention often poses significant risks to these vulnerable animals. If a mother seal senses the presence of people or pets—whom she may perceive as predators—she may choose to abandon her pup out of self-preservation.
Consequently, pups that find themselves alone for extended periods can quickly become malnourished and dehydrated. This is where facilities like SR3 come into play, providing necessary medical care so that these seals can ultimately be returned to their natural habitats once they are strong enough to survive on their own.
The best-case scenario remains keeping the pup and mother together, which is why humans are advised to maintain their distance. The community plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of these marine mammals.
Understanding what actions to take when encountering a baby seal on the beach can make a significant difference.
First and foremost, it is crucial to stay at least 100 yards away from any marine mammal you may encounter. If a seal turns to look at you, it is an indication that you are too close.
Also, keeping pets on a leash is essential. Curious pups can easily be startled by dogs, and protecting both animals is imperative.
Another vital aspect of marine conservation is education. If you see others approaching a baby seal, take the opportunity to kindly educate them about the importance of keeping their distance and the impact that human interaction can have on the animal’s wellbeing.
Interacting with these seals, even with good intentions, can lead to more harm than good. In fact, according to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, it is illegal to touch or disturb marine mammals.
For those looking to engage further with marine wildlife and possibly inspire a younger generation, several opportunities are available.
While volunteering at SR3 requires individuals to be at least 18 years old, families can explore various educational resources through the organization’s online presence.
Additionally, the Marine Science and Technology (MaST) Center at Highline College partners with SR3 to provide engaging educational programs and summer camps tailored for children. The MaST Center Aquarium offers hands-on experiences every weekend, allowing kids to learn about marine ecosystems in a fun and interactive setting.
Unlike SR3, which opens to the public only once a year during its Community Open House, the MaST Center Aquarium is open and free to the public every weekend, making it a valuable resource for marine education.
As we move through the baby seal pupping season, it’s more important than ever for the community to come together to protect these magnificent creatures and foster a connection with marine life.
Through education and awareness, we can all contribute to the preservation and safety of our coastal wildlife.
image source from：seattleschild
