Seal Sitters First Responders have had their hands full lately with reports of harbor seal pups along West Seattle’s bustling shoreline. September and October are typically the busiest months for responses in Central and South Puget Sound, as area seal rookeries are bursting with tiny pups and attentive moms. Pups can be born as late as early September (October in Hood Canal). As pups are weaned, they strike out on their own. As expected, activity has picked up dramatically in the last couple of weeks. However, we had an extra special surprise in August this year.

In August of 2018, a harbor seal female (Pearl) and her newborn pup (Jam) delighted Seal Sitters and the public by hauling out - and nursing - almost daily on a rock just offshore at a popular West Seattle beach. Over the course of many weeks, Jam grew fatter and stronger under the watchful eye of volunteers. Eventually, the pup was weaned and was not sighted again in our area. It was by far the high point of the season to have such a success story in contrast to the many struggling pups we so often protect.

Imagine our surprise when we received a report in early August this year of an adult seal with a small pup at that park on that same rock. Our first thought was, "Could it be Pearl?" We managed to get an ID photo of the adult and, sure enough, the distinct facial markings matched up with photos taken of her last year. Pearl was back in town with another newborn!

Over the course of a month, Pearl and her newest pup, nicknamed Minnie Pearl, have rested on Pearl's favorite rock - just big enough for the two of them to roost comfortably (photo above). Minnie has ballooned before our eyes, getting fatter by the day from mom’s rich milk. It is so wonderful to be able to observe this protective, wary mom and healthy pup. They continue to be seen in the area and haul out onto the rocks when tides permit. A robust female will nurse her pup from 4-6 weeks and Minnie, if not already weaned, should be soon. At that point, the weaner will be entirely on his/her own. With only about a 50% survival rate, this pup will face many challenges learning to successfully forage for food and escape danger.

On the bitter side of the sweet beginning to this season, Seal Sitters has responded to 5 pups that did not survive those daunting odds. All were taken to WA Department of Fish and Wildlife for necropsy.

There are several very small pups (in addition to Minnie) currently using West Seattle beaches. Seal Sitters volunteers are doing our best to keep them safe from harm - and give the vulnerable pups the best chance possible not only to survive, but thrive in the wild.

Tags: Pearl-Jam, Minnie Pearl