Tough start to our pupping season - Spike doesn't make it
Sep/02/10 11:37 AM
Spike, the tiny and thin pup who entertained and educated many people during his brief time on West Seattle beaches, has been found dead. His body was found by an Alki resident early this morning high on the beach amid debris near the lighthouse. A Seal Sitters volunteer responded to the beach, recovered the body and delivered him to WDFW’s marine mammal research biologist. A necropsy will be performed on Spike, who was confirmed to be male.
Spike was not seen anywhere on the beaches yesterday, but it could be that the high wind and waves from late yesterday afternoon were just too much for this small, weakened pup. We will keep you posted with updates as we receive the medical findings.
Spike was not seen anywhere on the beaches yesterday, but it could be that the high wind and waves from late yesterday afternoon were just too much for this small, weakened pup. We will keep you posted with updates as we receive the medical findings.
Spike back on shore today
Aug/31/10 02:57 PM

Each day that Spike is allowed to gain strength, he has a better chance not only of surviving, but thriving. When weaned pups have such little blubber to sustain them, it is imperative that they spend as much time as necessary on the beach. This assures they are not burning precious calories needed to forage for food. Thanks to the beach residents for calling our dispatch line with the report of this pup. Seal Sitters, as part of the Northwest Stranding Network, plays a vital role in helping NOAA and WDFW monitor the health of our marine mammals. If a seal pup (or adult) hauls out on your property please give us a call.
Seal pup Spike hauls out by the beach volleyball courts
Aug/30/10 11:11 PM

Seal pup scared back into water by canine pup
Aug/29/10 04:28 PM
Seal Sitters dispatch received a call this afternoon about a seal pup on the beach at Lincoln Park, north of Colman Pool. However, minutes later the responding party called back to say a dog scared the pup back into the water. If this was a nursing pup and the mother cannot locate him, the pup will die. We can’t stress enough that people need to keep their dogs leashed at all times. Dogs are not allowed on beaches in Seattle - leashed or unleashed. It is the law and punishable by a $500 fine. Every year harbor seal pups are mauled - and often killed - by dogs. There are very few beaches in our urban area for a pup to haul out and rest without human presence and, too often, interference. Lincoln Park attracts many pups during this season, particularly when small bait fish are running. It is a struggle for these young pups to survive. So, please share the shore, give the pups some space and leash your four-legged friend.
Pup hauls out on windy Alki Beach
Aug/26/10 09:20 PM

We are hoping this wound is not serious enough to affect this little one’s ability to swim and successfully forage for food. Salt water can often heal such wounds and we will keep you posted with updates. The pup gave our photographer a nice yawn so we could see that all of the teeth have erupted. Based on this information, this pup is most likely weaned. Should you see Windy hauled out on one of our beaches, make sure you call Seal Sitters dispatch @ 905-SEAL (7325).

UPDATE 8/27
It has been confirmed that the pup has an infected puncture wound - most likely caused by a bite from a dog or other seal. Remember to keep your dogs leashed at all times. The swelling around the bite is a good thing, meaning that the body’s white blood cells are fighting the infection. Windy’s overall body condition looks pretty good for a newly weaned pup. Our volunteers were out searching for the pup before daylight and throughout the day today, but there were no sightings on the beaches.
Balloons are no party favor for marine mammals
Aug/25/10 07:34 PM

Mom and pup nurse on safety of platform
Aug/16/10 09:10 PM

Lots of blubberballs at a South Puget Sound rookery
Aug/15/10 10:20 AM

Sad news from the San Juans
Aug/13/10 09:37 PM

The former are the faeries, and the latter were often said to be the seals.”
~ anonymous Orcadian
Primo, our little seal angel, died Wednesday at Wolf Hollow on San Juan Island. She survived the plane trip, but was just too thin and weak to make it through the night. Primo had exhausted her entire fat store in a determined effort to make it on her own. We will not soon forget her spirit.
Seal pup Primo flying to the San Juan Islands
Aug/11/10 12:39 PM

As of last evening, it was determined she would most likely need to be euthanized this morning. Volunteers were disheartened at her downturn yesterday afternoon and evening, though we tried our best to keep our hopes up and remain positive. As many of you know, seal pups only have about a 50% survival rate. She had been thin from the very day she hauled out on the south end of Alki Beach, but was excruciatingly thin yesterday. It was obvious that Primo was in a serious situation. Kristin Wilkinson (NOAA) and Dyanna Lambourn (WDFW) began to put things into motion late yesterday to see what steps could be taken to help Primo.
Upon Primo’s arrival at PAWS this morning, she (yes, our first pup is a little girl) exhibited some feisty behavior that led the team to think that she might be able to survive. She was severely dehydrated so they stabilized her with fluids and a dextrose solution. She had no lesions in her mouth, but did have an exposed opening where the umbilicus had been attached. Since this is a vulnerable spot for pups to get deadly infections, she was immediately started on antibiotics. She weighed just over 13 lbs. The typical weight of a newborn seal is 18-26 pounds, which gives an idea of how thin she truly was. Her age is estimated to be 2-3 weeks old. There are many scenarios as to why she would be alone without a mother to nurse her. Upon hearing that Primo had a chance, Kristin put the wheels in motion for possible transport to Wolf Hollow on San Juan Island. Kenmore Air donated a flight in order to help save her. The good news is that Primo now has a fighting chance to survive.
Please donate generously to PAWS and Wolf Hollow. They are the only rehab facilities in the entire state of Washington for seal pups. They are privately funded and the cost of rehabbing a seal pup is extraordinary. Our deepest thanks to Kenmore Air for making sure Primo made the 12:30 flight.
As always, Seal Sitters is so incredibly grateful to our support team of Kristin and Dyanna who always go the extra mile for us. Thanks to our many dedicated volunteers and to the very concerned and caring public who watched over Primo the past few days. Please keep an eye on the blog where we will post updates on her condition. And keep Primo in your thoughts as she is not out of the woods and the next hours are critical.
Primo wins friends on Alki
Aug/10/10 10:28 PM



Pup shows up again on Alki Beach
Aug/08/10 12:45 PM

Primo decided it was time to head back to the water and made the long crawl closer to the water’s edge. There he rested for about an hour before swimming off around 11:30 am. He will most likely surface later today as he is terribly thin and needs lots of rest. Check back for a video clip of Primo.
UPDATE 9:54pm
Primo resurfaced mid-afternoon at the north end of Alki Beach where he stayed late into the evening. As the sun came out, more and more people strolled the sidewalk and gathered above him. Unfortunately, all of the activity scared him back into the water around 4pm, but he returned to the same spot a bit later. When Seal Sitters taped off the area above him, people were very respectful of his need to snooze and stayed back a safe distance. Primo’s an alert and active pup which is a very good sign considering how thin he is. He will probably haul out again tomorrow.
Pup season has officially begun in West Seattle
Aug/08/10 08:10 AM
The first pup of our season arrived last night on Alki Beach just south of Cactus restaurant. Seal Sitters received a call (thanks, Joan and friend) about a tiny pup on the beach with some children too close to him. We arrived on scene minutes after the call and did a quick assessment of the pup - very small and thin. We determined it was best not to tape him off as it would attract unnecessary attention to his presence. The pup, nicknamed Primo because he’s our first pup, was quite alert and aware of the noise from the few people walking by along the bulkhead. Before the beach descended into total darkness, he yawned and our photographer was able to get a shot of his teeth. We can get an idea if the pup is weaned or still nursing based on the number of teeth that have erupted. This pup had a fair number of erupted teeth, but not all of them. Based on his lack of fat, perhaps he was weaned a bit on the early side. However, that is strictly a guess on our part and we are awaiting comments from the WDFW biologist. Photos of Primo were sent late last night. If there is a mom out there, she is not doing the best job of nourishing this little one. According to the biologist’s observations at the rookeries, first time moms aren’t always so successful at motherhood. Volunteers watched over him til late last night.
We will update as information comes in regarding this pup, who was not on the beaches as of first light this morning. Our volunteers did an extensive search of all the beaches and there was no sign of him. However, there was a very small seal and larger one on the platform at the south end of the beach (aka Joy D platform). A heron scared them into the water before we could get an identification photo. If you walk Alki Beach today, please keep your eyes open for this little pup and call us if you spot him.
We will update as information comes in regarding this pup, who was not on the beaches as of first light this morning. Our volunteers did an extensive search of all the beaches and there was no sign of him. However, there was a very small seal and larger one on the platform at the south end of the beach (aka Joy D platform). A heron scared them into the water before we could get an identification photo. If you walk Alki Beach today, please keep your eyes open for this little pup and call us if you spot him.
Female California sea lion "hangs out" in Nisqually
Aug/02/10 08:51 PM

No worries about the sea lion, who is fine - she had just climbed onto the channel marker at high tide and then rested as the tide rolled out and then back in.Pupdate: where the heck are they?
Jul/31/10 08:57 AM

Since both pups and adult seals follow the food source it is hard to say when they might arrive. They could fool us and be a little early this year based on so much activity in the south end. So, keep your binoculars handy when you’re out walking the beaches. And don’t forget to give Seal Sitters’ dispatch a call if you spot a pup.
Seal Sitters talks to kids about seal pups
Jul/28/10 07:09 AM
Volunteers from Seal Sitters visited Alki Kids Place yesterday and spoke to the children about seals and seal pups. A very attentive and inquisitive group of kids saw photos and learned about the rookeries where pups are born and nursed for 4-6 weeks. They learned that it is normal for pups to come ashore to rest and warm up and that people should let them do so undisturbed. The children who participate in this summer program walk to nearby Constellation Park on Beach Drive almost every day. Now, they will be on the lookout for the pups that should be arriving soon. Every year, harbor seal pups come ashore on this popular beach - unfortunately, too, where dogs are often illegally off-leash. Dogs are a danger to these extremely vulnerable young seals - and dogs can catch diseases from them as well. These children know that if they see a seal pup, they should keep people and dogs away and call Seal Sitters. Many thanks to Cheryl and the kids at Alki Kids Place! Contact Seal Sitters if you’d like us to speak to your group.
Boaters endanger newborn seal pups at haul out sites
Jul/18/10 08:09 PM


Seal talk at Highline Community College Marine Science Center
Jul/14/10 07:41 PM
“There’s a seal on my beach. What do I do?” Adrianne Akmajian, Marine Mammal Research and Stranding Intern with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, will talk about seal pups this Saturday. Come learn what to do when a seal lands on your beach and what local researchers do in response. There will be a slideshow of the birth of a seal pup. The talk will be held Saturday, July 17, 12:00-12:45 pm. Admission is free. Highline Community College MaST Center is located near the Redondo Beach Park.
Gray whale strands on Tulalip Reservation
Jul/11/10 08:02 AM

The Everett gray whale stranded yesterday in Tulalip Bay on the Tulalip Reservation. Members of Seal Sitters, Sno-King Marine Mammal Stranding Network and WDFW responded to the scene. The mud flats of the bay restricted access to the whale which lay exposed to the extreme sun and heat. As the tide came in, however, the Tulalip Bay Fire Department zodiac managed to get a pump close enough to keep the whale wet and cool. A borrowed canoe allowed a stranding team member to get sheets to the scene so the whale could be covered and more protected. The tide finally covered the whale about 2pm. The Tulalip tribes honored the whale and prayed for him to get well. The repeated stranding behavior of this adult whale is indicative that he is most likely dying. The gray was spotted by NOAA on Saturday at 4:30 at Spee-Bi-Dah heading north into Port Susan. See related gallery of photos.
UPDATE:
7/13/10 Transient orcas were seen attacking the gray whale yesterday afternoon (Monday). Related story and video.
7/12/10 The gray was spotted this morning (Monday) at 6:30 am heading east toward Camano Island.
Gray whale strands in Everett
Jul/09/10 05:29 PM

Yesterday, however, the whale was marooned on the beach at low tide. Concerned neighbors in shorts and swimsuits assisted in keeping the exposed whale wet and cool. However, as the water rose and the whale became more active it became too dangerous for them to continue to help. Members of the NW Stranding Network (above photo from left, Jessie Huggins of Cascadia Research, Kristin Wilkinson of NOAA, and Brian Chittick of Snohomish-King County Stranding Network) labored for hours pouring buckets of water over the whale - until finally the incoming tide created a water level deep enough that he could swim free. They then boarded a boat with a team from WDFW Marine Mammal Investigations and monitored the whale until 2pm when he finally left the shallower waters and headed out into the strait.
Early this morning the whale stranded again and the Stranding Network responded. Approximately 2:30 this afternoon he was in 7-10 feet of water as the tide came in. NOAA is not optimistic about the whale’s survival based on his behavior and weakened condition.
Pupping season has begun - don't touch seal pups!
Jul/03/10 08:28 PM

Savvy seal escapes transient orcas, hops on whale-watching boat
Jun/28/10 06:03 AM
Things have been pretty quiet on the pinniped front here in West Seattle. Our pups are due to arrive late July and September, though we could be surprised with early pups. We thought, however, that you might enjoy this story of one very smart seal who leapt aboard a whale-watching boat in the San Juans to escape becoming lunch for the transient orcas. Our resident orcas don’t eat the seals that live in our waters. But the transient killer whales that visit Puget Sound definitely have seals on their menu. And our seals are smart enough to know the difference. In fact, studies have shown that NW seals can discern the different vocalizations of the residents and transients. When they recognize the sounds of the visiting orcas, their behavior changes radically as they become targets for the visiting pods. See our website for more local and international news stories about seals.
New volunteers experience on-the-beach training
Jun/26/10 04:01 PM
Twenty-three new volunteers attended an on-the-beach training at Alki Beach this morning where we simulated a seal sitting situation. Volunteers learned the basics of establishing a perimeter with barebones tape and stakes - as well as ways for creative and impromptu use of found materials and existing items on the beach (such as logs and garbage cans). We fielded some great questions and hope it was enlightening for all! There was lengthy discussion about the importance of the work we do - and how to most effectively educate the public about pups and their need for protection on our urban beaches. Rachel Mayer of the Sno-King Stranding Network helped lead the training. A second on-the-beach session will be scheduled in late July. Announcements will be sent out to all volunteers when the date has been determined.
Whale talk at Duwamish tribal longhouse
Jun/12/10 06:38 PM
The Whale Trail is sponsoring a presentation by John Calambokidis, renowned marine mammal biologist and founder of Cascadia Research on Thursday, June 17th at 7pm. John recently conducted the necropsy on the gray whale that stranded on Arroyo Beach in West Seattle. According to Donna Sandstrom, the talk will focus on the recovery and recent studies of the larger whales in the region, including the recent gray whale strandings in Puget Sound. Kathy Fletcher, Executive Director of People for Puget Sound, will give an update on the health of Puget Sound and efforts towards its recovery. The talk will be held at the Duwamish Tribal Longhouse with a suggested donation of 5$. Advance tickets are available online here. Seal Sitters will have a table at the event.
Vanishing act - the fine art of camouflage
Jun/02/10 06:30 PM

Platform full of pinnipeds
Jun/02/10 06:04 PM
The Alki Beach platform (aka, the Joy D) has been full of seals the past week - four are shown here (three yearlings with one adult), but as many as five have been hauled out at times. These plump yearlings look like they have learned good fishing skills. The adults seem to be on the skinny side this season, however. If you are interested in securing a platform refuge off your waterfront property, please contact us for information.Great turnout for training event
Jun/02/10 09:27 AM
Thanks to everyone who came to Seal Sitters’ training last night - over 70 people attended. Thanks, also, to the Admiral Branch Library for providing such a great meeting space and to the staff for being so understanding as we ran a bit late. We have a fantastic group of dedicated volunteers and are excited to have even more join us in our quest to help protect “Spud” and his buds.
June 1st volunteer training reminder
May/28/10 08:57 AM
Don’t forget that the second training session of the season (and most likely final one) for new volunteers is scheduled for Tuesday, June 1st. Click here for details and please RSVP. Current volunteers are welcome to attend as well, space permitting.
Happiness is a warm dock
May/18/10 11:24 PM

A very alert male seal enjoyed the warm sun at the newest pinniped hot spot: the boat ramp. Here he is shown thermoregulating a bit, stretching and curling his flippers and tail. Comparison of markings have identified him as the same seal that had a bloody wound on May 4th. It was not possible today to see the spot where the wound had been located. It is encouraging that he was so animated and appeared generally healthy, but was still a bit too thin (although you’d never guess it from this photo).
Barricades were placed at the entrance to each dock with information about the Marine Mammal Protection Act and seal behavior, warning the public to give him space to rest. We’ll keep an eye out for him tomorrow in hopes of seeing if the wound has fully healed. Should you see him on the ramp or elsewhere on shore, please call dispatch @ 206-905-7325 (SEAL).
(update May 21, 1 pm)
This seal has been returning to the boat ramp for rest over the past two days. There is no longer any evidence of blood on his right hip, so that older wound has apparently healed. There is, however, some blood this afternoon near the joint of his left flipper. It‘s really tough out there for a wild animal - foraging for prey and being a prey animal yourself. All the more reason for people to keep their distance so he can snooze and gain strength. Hopefully, this skinny guy will pack on some pounds!


