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

October has seen a boom in pup sightings in West Seattle. The pups haven’t always stayed long enough for volunteers to be called, but it is good to know seals are foraging in our area and finding places to rest.

October 15
First Responder Lynn received a call that a dark pup was napping on the rocks just below the seawall near Duwamish Head. Responders Jay H and David helped set up cones and tape, but all three needed to leave and assist with a nearby sea lion necropsy. Fortunately, volunteer Nicole arrived and kept a protective eye on the seal pup she nicknamed Char, for the beautiful smoky color of his/her coat. Char swam off once the tide rose and waves reached the rocks.

October 21
On a cold and rainy Monday, First Responder Victoria got a call from Hotline Operator Nanda regarding a pup on the beach at Lincoln Park. The pup, appropriately dubbed Drizzle, appeared healthy and alert. Victoria and volunteer Sue kept watch, ducking under a picnic shelter to escape the downpour. While Drizzle snoozed, another seal popped in and out of the water nearby. Onlookers wondered if the second seal could have been Drizzle’s mom. It’s unlikely, as all pups are weaned at this point in the season in the waters Central and South Puget Sound. After 5 hours, Drizzle went back into the sea.

October 22
A worried caller told Hotline Operator Lynn that a pup was on the public access beach at Jack Block Park - along with an off-leash dog. Patrick, the caller, was able to warn the owners who collected the dog and left. First Responder Jay H named the pup with dark mottled fur Lost (shown in photo above). As Jay carried stranding materials onto the beach, Lost woke up, dove into the waves and disappeared from sight.

October 26
Strong north winds didn’t bother a light-colored pup napping on the beach near Duwamish Head. In fact, the pup was sleeping so soundly, First Responder Lynn thought the pup might not be alive. Watching through binoculars, Volunteer Scheduler Melinda, who came down to lend a hand, finally saw the pup breathe. While Lynn put up tape and cones to keep people from standing directly above the pup nicknamed Breezy, new volunteer Rachel arrived for her first seal-sitting experience. From the shelter of some pine trees, she pointed out the pup to passersby, and later watched as Breezy swam away in the rising tide. Thanks to Hotline Operator Julia and to First Responder David for their assistance.

This is the time of year when young weaners, most with low body weight and compromised immune systems, struggle to get thru the cold and damp of late fall and winter. It is imperative that they be given refuge onshore to rest. As always, if you see a seal onshore, call Seal Sitters’ hotline at 206-905-7325 (SEAL).

Tags: Char, Drizzle, Lost, Breezy