After three successive days on the same small neighborhood beach, it appears that perhaps weaner seal Harlequin has moved on - or has found an alternative resting site nearby, but out of view of the public. He has not been sighted since Sunday evening. We are hoping the little male has found safe haven on private beach as he had in the first part of the week.

Early Sunday morning, following yet another night of winds and heavy rains, First Responder Dana grabbed her carafe of tea and ran out to do a check of the cove, expecting Harlequin to make a return trip to the quiet spot where he had rested two days straight. Sure enough, the small seal didn’t disappoint and flopped ashore just as the receding tide revealed a bit of beach. Harlequin immediately zonked out. Volunteer Scheduler Jimi began lining up volunteers for the day. They educated passersby as the seal dozed peacefully for hours, soaking up some welcome sun. Around midday, he stirred and observed his surroundings. Sensing no threat, he crashed out for the remainder of the afternoon.

Many people asked, “Where’s Mom?” Volunteers explained that Harlequin, estimated to be 3-5 months old, was entirely on his own. After only about a month of nursing, it is often a struggle for these young weaners to make the transition to foraging. This time of year, the majority of all weaned harbor seal pups are too thin. With no thick layer of blubber to keep them warm and provide energy, storms such as the ones we have experienced this week can exhaust them. Undisturbed rest is absolutely critical to their survival, enabling weaners to recharge and preserve their strength so they can forage for longer periods.

Late in the afternoon, the winds increased and a heavy rain began to fall. An unfazed Harlequin returned to the black waters of Puget Sound sometime around 8pm and Dana removed the tape and signage from the cove. Thanks to the many volunteers who endured some brisk, wet weather to give Harlequin safe haven onshore.

Checks of the beach throughout Monday showed no sign of Harlequin. We hope he is safe and fattening up.

Seal Sitters does ask homeowners to please call our dedicated hotline @ 206-905-7325 (SEAL) if you have a seal or sea lion using your beach. It enables us to keep tabs on the population and is especially helpful if we are trying to locate an injured or ill animal.

Tags: Harlequin