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SEALS
Phoca
vitulina
 Update
June 2009
The camera is being activated view the female harbor seals as they continue to increase in numbers in preparation for July pupping season.
Even with predators and scavengers occasionally visiting the
site, mother harbor seals can routinely and safely leave healthy
pups alone on the beach while they slip back into the Sound
to refuel on Pacific herring and other fish. Solo young pups
that may look “abandoned” on shore, log-booms,
rocks or other haul-out sites, are most likely healthy and
resting exactly where their mothers expect them to be upon
mom’s return. To help ensure the pups’ survival,
biologists ask that people stay clear—at least 100 yards
away from the animals at all times. If you are concerned about
the welfare of any harbor seal, please leave the animal in
place, and contact WDFW’s Marine Mammal Investigations
Unit at 253-589-7235, or the National Marine Fisheries Service
Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator at 206-526-6733.
The early
weeks are challenging for many baby animals, and seals are
no exception. During this time period, mortality rates for
our harbor seals, according to biologist Dyanna Lambourn,
can reach as high as 50 percent. So, as we experiment with
camera technology, you are invited to stay tuned and cheer
on this year’s young seals as they practice swimming
and begin their fight for survival during the critical first
months of life in Puget Sound.
What
is a Harbor Seal haul-out and what are you looking at?
Harbor seals use specific shoreline areas on a regular basis
to haul-out of the water and rest. These resting areas are
called seal haul-outs and include: beaches, rocky areas, log
booms and floats. Some haul-outs are used regularly, while
others may be used seasonally or occasionally. Time spent
on the haul-out is essential for their survival as they rest,
dry out, interact and regulate body their temperature. In
addition to resting, Harbor seals give birth to and nurse
their pups on the haul-out, and undergo an annual molt of
their pelage or fur. This SealCam SealCam
is focused on a haul-out in the Puget Sound and that is used
by harbor seals throughout the year for many of the activities
described above. A regular viewer may also see many other
species of wildlife including perhaps some other fin-footed
marine mammals known as Pinnipeds.
Currently,
the Sealcam has a series of video clips and still photos organized
by categories that will help tell you about the life, birth,
ecology, diseases and sometimes death of the seals and wildlife
that inhabit this fascinating area. During the winter and
spring of 2003-4 additional clips and activities will be added
to this site. As we approach the months of March through June
harbor seal presence and activities will intensify leading
up to the June/July pupping season.
So please
visit the Sealcam frequently and send it to the attention
of friend. The Sealcam is also an important tool used by Department
biologists to continue to study and add our knowledge of this
member of the marine mammals order of pinnipedia or wing or
fin-footed mammals.
Viewing
Seals Responsibly In the Wild
- If
you see a seal on the beach, give it room
- Use
binoculars or a spotting scope if you want to see the animal
"close up".
- The NMFS
marine mammal viewing guidelines mandate a minimum
approach distance of 100 yards.
- The
approach distance will reduce the potential for disturbing
or stressing a resting or injured animal.
- Keep
pets away. Baby seals can easily fall prey to dogs.
- To
avoid possible injury to seals, dogs should be leashed and
kept away from seals on the beach. Some diseases are common
to both dogs and seals.
- Older
seals may bite in self defense.
- People
may also be at risk if they come into direct contact with
a diseased animal.
- It
is a Federal offense to harass seals in any way.
- Please
goto Northwest
Marine Mammal Stranding Network in Washington to report stranded or injured marine mammals.
Remember: Share the beach and help keep the "wild"
in wildlife
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