How to Save a Beached Seal: A Guide to Safe Rescue
Saving a beached seal requires careful observation and informed action; the primary goal is to assess the animal’s condition and contact the appropriate authorities for safe and effective intervention. This ensures the seal receives the necessary care and minimizes stress for both the animal and the rescuer.
Understanding Beached Seals: A Necessary Background
Seals are marine mammals, and while they spend most of their time in the water, they do come ashore to rest, molt, or give birth. Finding a seal on a beach doesn’t automatically mean it’s in distress. However, it’s crucial to differentiate between normal behavior and a situation requiring intervention. Seals may haul out on beaches for various reasons:
- Resting: Seals expend a great deal of energy swimming and hunting, so they need time to rest on land.
- Molting: Seals shed their fur annually in a process called molting, which requires them to spend more time ashore.
- Giving Birth: Female seals give birth on land, and pups need time to mature before entering the water.
- Illness or Injury: Sometimes, seals come ashore because they are sick, injured, or weak.
The Golden Rule: Observe From a Distance
The most important thing you can do when you find a beached seal is to observe it from a distance. Getting too close can stress the animal and potentially put you at risk. Maintain a distance of at least 100 feet (30 meters) and use binoculars or a zoom lens to assess its condition.
Assessing the Seal’s Condition: What to Look For
Before contacting authorities, gather as much information as possible about the seal’s condition. Look for the following signs of distress:
- Visible injuries: Open wounds, bleeding, or entanglement in marine debris.
- Emaciation: Ribs and hip bones visibly protruding.
- Lethargy: Lack of movement or response to stimuli.
- Discharge: From eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Difficulty breathing: Labored breathing or coughing.
- Unusual behavior: Seizures, disorientation, or excessive vocalization.
Contacting the Experts: Who to Call
If you suspect the seal is in distress, contact the appropriate authorities immediately. In the United States, this typically includes:
- Local Animal Control: Can assess the situation and contact marine mammal experts.
- Marine Mammal Stranding Network: A network of organizations dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating marine mammals. Find your local contact through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
- Local Veterinarian: If you live in a coastal community, a veterinarian may be familiar with marine mammal rescue protocols.
When you call, be prepared to provide the following information:
- Location: The exact location of the seal, including landmarks.
- Description: A description of the seal, including its size, species (if known), and any visible injuries or abnormalities.
- Behavior: A description of the seal’s behavior, including its activity level and any signs of distress.
- Your contact information: So the authorities can reach you if they need more information.
Protecting the Seal: Creating a Safe Zone
While waiting for authorities to arrive, take steps to protect the seal from further harm.
- Keep people and pets away: Establish a perimeter around the seal to prevent disturbance. Use signs or tape to mark the area.
- Control noise levels: Reduce noise from vehicles, radios, and other sources.
- Prevent harassment: Do not attempt to touch, feed, or move the seal.
- Provide shade (if possible): If the seal is in direct sunlight, provide shade with an umbrella or tarp, being careful not to approach too closely.
What Not to Do: Common Mistakes to Avoid
Rescuing a beached seal can be complex, so it’s important to know what not to do. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t approach the seal: Approaching the seal can stress it and potentially put you at risk of being bitten.
- Don’t try to move the seal: Moving the seal can cause further injury. Leave it to the experts.
- Don’t feed the seal: Feeding the seal can interfere with its natural feeding behavior and potentially make it dependent on humans.
- Don’t pour water on the seal: This can actually lower its body temperature and cause harm.
- Don’t attempt to treat the seal yourself: Leave medical care to trained professionals.
- Don’t post the exact location online: This can attract crowds and disturb the animal.
FAQs: Deepening Your Understanding of Beached Seal Rescue
What species of seals are most commonly found beached?
The species most commonly found beached vary by geographic location. In the North Atlantic, harbor seals and gray seals are frequently encountered. On the Pacific coast, California sea lions and northern elephant seals are more common. Identifying the species helps authorities determine the best course of action.
Is it always necessary to call authorities if I see a seal on the beach?
Not necessarily. If the seal appears healthy and is simply resting, it may not need intervention. However, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and observe the seal from a distance for a period of time. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to contact the appropriate authorities.
Can I get sick from touching a beached seal?
Yes, seals can carry diseases that are transmissible to humans, known as zoonotic diseases. These include diseases such as brucellosis and leptospirosis. Therefore, it’s essential to avoid direct contact with seals and to wash your hands thoroughly if you accidentally come into contact with one.
How long can a seal stay out of the water?
Seals can stay out of the water for extended periods of time, especially during molting season. Adult harbor seals can stay out of the water for several days at a time. However, if a seal appears to be struggling or is exhibiting signs of distress, it may need help.
What is the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and how does it relate to beached seals?
The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) is a US federal law that prohibits the take (i.e., harass, hunt, capture, kill, or attempt to harass, hunt, capture, or kill) of marine mammals. This law makes it illegal to harass, harm, or kill marine mammals unless specifically authorized by permit. Interacting with a beached seal could be considered harassment, violating the MMPA.
How do rescue organizations rehabilitate beached seals?
Rehabilitation typically involves providing medical care, feeding, and a safe environment for the seal to recover. Medical care may include treating injuries, administering antibiotics, and providing supportive care. The goal is to return the seal to the wild as soon as it’s healthy enough to survive on its own.
What are the biggest threats to seal populations?
Threats to seal populations include:
- Entanglement in fishing gear: Seals can become entangled in nets and lines, leading to injury or death.
- Habitat loss: Development and pollution can destroy seal habitats.
- Climate change: Rising sea levels and changing ocean temperatures can impact seal populations.
- Pollution: Contaminants in the water can harm seals.
Are all seal species protected?
While many seal species are protected under laws like the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the level of protection can vary by species and location. Some species are considered threatened or endangered, while others are relatively abundant.
What if a seal pup appears to be abandoned?
It is important to not assume that a seal pup is abandoned simply because it is alone. Seal mothers often leave their pups for extended periods of time while they forage for food. Observe the pup from a distance for at least 24 hours before contacting authorities.
How can I educate others about protecting beached seals?
Share this article and other resources from reputable organizations like NOAA. Raising awareness is crucial to ensuring the safety and well-being of beached seals. You can also volunteer at local marine mammal rescue centers.
What should I do if a beached seal is being harassed by people or dogs?
Immediately contact local animal control or law enforcement. Harassing a marine mammal is illegal and can cause the animal significant stress and harm. Document the incident with photos or videos if possible.
How can I help prevent seals from becoming beached in the first place?
Support organizations working to reduce marine pollution, prevent entanglement in fishing gear, and protect seal habitats. Reduce your use of single-use plastics and dispose of trash properly. Educate yourself and others about the importance of protecting our oceans.