05/24/2026
Heading to the coast this holiday weekend? Be sure to keep your distance from harbor seals and their pups that you may find along shorelines.
Harbor seals intentionally leave their pups on shore while the adults are away feeding. During that time the pups are resting and keeping warm - it’s much warmer on the shore than it is in the Pacific Ocean! Seeing a seal pup alone doesn't usually mean there is something wrong.
Remember to never approach, feed, or disturb harbor seals or their pups. It is a violation of federal law to harass seals, sea lions, and other marine mammals. Share the Shore with seals and sea lions by watching marine mammals in a safe, responsible way. Follow these tips from NOAA Fisheries West Coast !
-Give them space: NOAA recommends you keep yourself and your pets at least 100 yards (the length of a football field) from seals to make sure you're not disrupting them.
-Be considerate of mothers and pups: Moms may not return if humans are too close to the pup onshore. Keep your distance so mom can return to care for her pup.
-Keep pets away and on a leash: Pets can disturb or harm wildlife, or may separate mothers from their pups.
-Report strandings: If you see an obviously injured, stranded, or dead animal please call NOAA’s West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 866-767-6114.
Learn more at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/marine-life-viewing-guidelines/share-shore-watch-marine-mammals-responsibly
📷 WDFW
