Tough start to Pupping Season in West Seattle
Sep/21/18 09:25 AM
GRIM DISCOVERIES
So far in this season, Seal Sitters volunteers have responded to more dead animals than live ones. One small harbor seal pup was discovered trapped and drowned in a fishing net. Two more seemingly healthy pups were found dead, with evidence of entanglement. (Read more about the dangers of marine debris on Seal Sitters’ website)
ON A HAPPIER NOTE
Many calls to the Hotline are not about marine mammals, and this one has had a happy outcome. Hotline Operator Cheri got a call about a very young orphaned river otter. First Responder Lynn located the tiny shivering pup and Seattle Animal Control picked up the otter pup and transferred him to PAWS Wildlife Center in Lynnwood. PAWS reports that after 4 months of care the otter pup has been successfully released into his natural habitat. Caller Emily, on hearing the good news said, ”I’m on Cloud 9!" We agree!
SEALS AND SEA LIONS USUALLY DON'T DRINK WATER
Pinnipeds normally get all the water they need from the food they eat. So, the September 20 sight of a sea lion gulping water was a red flag that something was wrong.
Seal Sitters Hotline Operator Gretchen was alerted to this California sea lion on the dock of a Harbor Island marina. First Responders Lynn and David and Eilene observed the animal drinking water, a sure sign of leptospirosis. This is a bacterial infection that is transmittable to humans and pets. Learn more HERE from the Marine Mammal Center in California about the recent leptospirosis outbreak.
Marine Mammal biologist Dyanna Lambourn and intern Jessica of WDFW Marine Mammal Investigations Unit arrived and confirmed the diagnosis. They had hoped to mark the sea lion with biodegradable livestock marking paint in order to keep tabs on this infected animal, but he slipped into the water as they approached. There have been no subsequent sightings.
So far in this season, Seal Sitters volunteers have responded to more dead animals than live ones. One small harbor seal pup was discovered trapped and drowned in a fishing net. Two more seemingly healthy pups were found dead, with evidence of entanglement. (Read more about the dangers of marine debris on Seal Sitters’ website)
ON A HAPPIER NOTE
Many calls to the Hotline are not about marine mammals, and this one has had a happy outcome. Hotline Operator Cheri got a call about a very young orphaned river otter. First Responder Lynn located the tiny shivering pup and Seattle Animal Control picked up the otter pup and transferred him to PAWS Wildlife Center in Lynnwood. PAWS reports that after 4 months of care the otter pup has been successfully released into his natural habitat. Caller Emily, on hearing the good news said, ”I’m on Cloud 9!" We agree!
SEALS AND SEA LIONS USUALLY DON'T DRINK WATER
Pinnipeds normally get all the water they need from the food they eat. So, the September 20 sight of a sea lion gulping water was a red flag that something was wrong.
Seal Sitters Hotline Operator Gretchen was alerted to this California sea lion on the dock of a Harbor Island marina. First Responders Lynn and David and Eilene observed the animal drinking water, a sure sign of leptospirosis. This is a bacterial infection that is transmittable to humans and pets. Learn more HERE from the Marine Mammal Center in California about the recent leptospirosis outbreak.Marine Mammal biologist Dyanna Lambourn and intern Jessica of WDFW Marine Mammal Investigations Unit arrived and confirmed the diagnosis. They had hoped to mark the sea lion with biodegradable livestock marking paint in order to keep tabs on this infected animal, but he slipped into the water as they approached. There have been no subsequent sightings.
