Butterball
Butterball and Stuffin' on Seal Sitters' plate Thanksgiving night
Nov/28/14 09:20 AM
Last night, Seal Sitters’ volunteers protected two seal pups trying to get some rest out of the cold waters of Elliott Bay. Butterball made a return appearance to West Seattle and a seemingly healthy and very feisty seal pup, nicknamed Stuffin’, arrived later in the evening. Thankfully, the two pups ended up close together and the perimeter of tape and signage that was already in place to protect sleeping Butterball was extended, ensuring that both pups were inside a clearly defined buffer zone.
The pups were gone at a 6am check and our rain-drenched first responder removed all materials from the area. We anticipate that one or more of the pups will continue to use this not-so-ideal location as long as squid and small bait fish are abundant in the Bay. Off-leash dogs and curious people are always a danger to vulnerable harbor seal pups - and a spunky pup such as Stuffin’ can inflict a serious bite if approached too closely. Diseases can be transmitted between species. The Marine Mammal Protection Act mandates that it is against Federal law to disturb, feed, handle or move any marine mammal. So, please - always stay far back and leash dogs if you see a pup onshore. We hope both pups find a safer haulout with less potential for conflict.
The pups were gone at a 6am check and our rain-drenched first responder removed all materials from the area. We anticipate that one or more of the pups will continue to use this not-so-ideal location as long as squid and small bait fish are abundant in the Bay. Off-leash dogs and curious people are always a danger to vulnerable harbor seal pups - and a spunky pup such as Stuffin’ can inflict a serious bite if approached too closely. Diseases can be transmitted between species. The Marine Mammal Protection Act mandates that it is against Federal law to disturb, feed, handle or move any marine mammal. So, please - always stay far back and leash dogs if you see a pup onshore. We hope both pups find a safer haulout with less potential for conflict.
Seal pup Butterball arrives just in time for Thanksgiving
Nov/27/14 08:52 AM
Seal Sitters’ hotline operator Dave fielded a call last evening of a pup on the dock at a boat launch. First responder Lynn was on the scene within minutes and fellow responders David and Robin were right behind her. They blocked off access to the dock with barricades and Protected Marine Mammal tape. After observing the pup for some time, responders left the deserted and quiet area. The pup, nicknamed Butterball, was snoozing soundly - and safely - at the end of the wooden structure.
Lynn (with husband Don in tow) checked on Butterball at 9pm and he was still fast asleep, with no people in sight and the perimeter intact. This morning at 6am, he was gone - probably out for a breakfast of squid and small herring that are frequenting Eliiott Bay now.
As always, if you see a seal pup or other marine mammal onshore, please call Seal Sitters’ dedicated hotline at 206-905-SEAL (7325).
Butterball is one of only a few pups we have had in the past month - much quieter than any prior year. After a lengthy conversation with our consulting WDFW marine mammal biologist, perhaps we are seeing less pups onshore this season because the population is actually healthier than usual. While we have had more than our share of death, on the other hand, we haven’t had as many emaciated pups resting on West Seattle’s busy beaches as last year. Maybe there are more successful pups this 2014 season who are choosing to rest at night, like Butterball, on docks and offshore platforms - or on less accessible beaches with fewer people and dogs. Indeed, this year in area rookeries there was significantly less mortality of newborn and newly-weaned pups. While volunteers miss being able to protect these amazing wild animals, it is certainly much better that they rest in less dangerous locations.
On this day of thanks, Seal Sitters MMSN would like to recognize our volunteers for your unwavering dedication to helping marine life - you are AWESOME! We would also like to thank the public for your continued support - we can’t do it without you! We are grateful for our partner stranding networks in the Pacific Northwest. The seals and other marine mammals are so lucky to have all of you. Seal Sitters wishes everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.
Lynn (with husband Don in tow) checked on Butterball at 9pm and he was still fast asleep, with no people in sight and the perimeter intact. This morning at 6am, he was gone - probably out for a breakfast of squid and small herring that are frequenting Eliiott Bay now.
As always, if you see a seal pup or other marine mammal onshore, please call Seal Sitters’ dedicated hotline at 206-905-SEAL (7325).
Butterball is one of only a few pups we have had in the past month - much quieter than any prior year. After a lengthy conversation with our consulting WDFW marine mammal biologist, perhaps we are seeing less pups onshore this season because the population is actually healthier than usual. While we have had more than our share of death, on the other hand, we haven’t had as many emaciated pups resting on West Seattle’s busy beaches as last year. Maybe there are more successful pups this 2014 season who are choosing to rest at night, like Butterball, on docks and offshore platforms - or on less accessible beaches with fewer people and dogs. Indeed, this year in area rookeries there was significantly less mortality of newborn and newly-weaned pups. While volunteers miss being able to protect these amazing wild animals, it is certainly much better that they rest in less dangerous locations.
On this day of thanks, Seal Sitters MMSN would like to recognize our volunteers for your unwavering dedication to helping marine life - you are AWESOME! We would also like to thank the public for your continued support - we can’t do it without you! We are grateful for our partner stranding networks in the Pacific Northwest. The seals and other marine mammals are so lucky to have all of you. Seal Sitters wishes everyone a wonderful Thanksgiving Day.
