CALIFORNIA SEA LION FOUND DEAD ON BEACH
“Not another one!” was the reaction of Seal Sitters first responders on hearing of a dead sea lion washing ashore on a private beach in West Seattle on Monday (11/25).

Two badly decomposed sea lions had stranded a month earlier (10/12); projectiles were found in the skull of one. The other was also suspected shot, although it couldn’t be accessed for an examination.

Hotline operator Amanda relayed the call about the latest sea lion to First Responder Victoria. She and volunteer John located a fresh-dead, perfectly intact California sea lion carcass at Lowman Beach and noted a finger-sized hole in the animal’s back. SMMSN Co-investigator Lynn immediately called WDFW-MMI and SR3 to coordinate a necropsy and with NOAA’s help, applied for an emergency permit from the EPA to tow and sink the carcass.The permit was granted swiftly, since on-site burial or heavy-equipment removal was deemed impossible.

With the permission from the homeowner, SR3 Director (and SS volunteer) Casey Mclean arrived to secure the sea lion to a tree stump on the beach (photo above). For two nights, neighbors kept an eye on the sea lion, tightening the line to make sure the carcass was not swept away at high tide.

NECROPSY CONFIRMS SEA LION SHOT TO DEATH
On Wednesday morning, examiners arrived at the beach. Lead examiner Dyanna Lambourn of WDFW-MMI assisted by Casey and visiting veterinarian Greg Frankfurter, performed the necropsy, along with some help from Devon and Caldwell. Several Seal Sitters volunteers took photographs and notes and explained circumstances to onlookers during the exam.

A large slug was found lodged in the animal’s ribcage, having torn through the spine and internal organs. This case and all evidence will be turned over to NOAA Office of Law Enforcement for investigation.

THE CHALLENGE OF DISPOSAL AFTER NECROPSY
Despite strong currents and brisk winds, Caldwell used an oared skiff to haul the carcass off the beach and out to a larger boat. There, Casey attached burlap sandbags to a jute rope and sank the carcass according to EPA requirements. Many thanks to the anonymous boat owner who offered his services and neighbors who were so helpful in making sure we could examine the sea lion.

Tags: shot sea lion

VOLUNTEERS KEEP “LOST” SAFE AT THE BOAT RAMP YESTERDAY
Seal Sitters Co-Investigator and First Responder Lynn was just getting in her car to grab a quick lunch when Hotline Operator Karin called. She said a woman named Kayla spotted a seal at West Seattle’s Don Armeni public boat launch. As all of our responders can attest, trying to eat, do laundry or run errands can often be interrupted by a hotline call - and they have to drop everything at a moment's notice (thank you dedicated First Responders!).

Lynn texted Co-Investigator Robin that a pup was at the boat ramp. They both promptly headed down to the waterfront, where Kayla and Jonathan were waiting. They had already set up barricades with seal signage which are always stashed nearby and blocked off entry to the dock.

The weaned young seal was at the very end of the north wooden dock, alert, and in decent body condition. After comparing markings from Robin’s ID photos, Lynn was tickled to report that “Lost has been found!” The weaner is indeed the same seal nicknamed “Lost” that First Responder Jay H observed at Jack Block Park on Oct. 22, over 2 weeks ago.

Abigail was scheduler for the day and checked the calendar, lining up volunteers Dave W, Barb Z and Nicole to keep Lost from being scared back into the frigid waters. They kept an eye on boaters and visitors using the south dock, asking them to please do their best to avoid disturbing the weaner. When the sun set, Lost finally settled in for a snooze, after being alert to activity throughout the day. He fell into a deep sleep against the stunning backdrop of Seattle’s dramatic night skyline across Eliiott Bay.

This has been a really rough pupping season so far in West Seattle with a total of 12 deaths. Let's hope that Lost is finally a reasonably healthy, lively weaner. While he was on the thin side, we observed no coughing or nasal discharge.

Tags: Lost