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.

Much to the relief of Seal Sitters, Spike hauled out on a private beach this rainy and cold morning. We were able to confirm identity by matching up spot patterns on the face. He is looking a little plumper and is resting comfortably.

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 season is definitely in full swing in West Seattle as another pup, nicknamed Spike, hauled out on the northern end of Alki beach this afternoon. Seal Sitters received a call around 1 pm and immediately established a safe perimeter around the pup. Numerous volunteers helped explain to the public that this was normal behavior for a seal to come onshore to rest and warm up. Spike is yet another tiny pup and a bit too thin. As evening fell, the temperature cooled down and a very rested Spike finally returned to the Sound about 9 pm. Thanks to all the volunteers who put in such long hours today. And thanks to Spike for inspiring some new volunteers to join Seal Sitters this afternoon. Click here to view a gallery of photos from today.

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.

A pup hauled out around noon today on Alki Beach. Wind and clouds kept crowds to a minimum while the pup rested onshore for over 8 hours. The pup, nicknamed Windy, has an infected wound on the left rear flipper and photos are being analyzed by NOAA and WDFW experts. Harbor seals use their rear flippers for locomotion in the water and the front flippers for steering. Sea lions, on the other hand, are quite the opposite - using their large front flippers to propel them through the water and the rear flippers and tail as a rudder.

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).

At right, volunteer Julie keeps a protective eye on Windy who snuggled next to the sea wall (foreground of photo) as the tide crept in this very brisk evening. It’s not always warm and sunny sitting duty as Julie and the other volunteers for today can attest. Thanks to all for their dedication!

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.

During a scan of the beaches looking for seal pups early this morning, our volunteer instead found two balloons tied with long ribbons floating in the surf. This is a reminder to everyone of the dangers of trash in our waters. Balloons are especially harmful - marine mammals mistake them for jellyfish, ingest them and then die a slow and painful death. Please remember if you have a party near the beach, destroy any balloons and dispose of them properly. Never release helium balloons into the sky as they will inevitably end up in the Sound, putting our seals and other animals in grave danger.

A harbor seal mom and her pup have been seen over the past week or so, resting and nursing on a platform offshore in West Seattle. Here, they stretch and warm up in the morning sun following an early nurse. A female seal’s milk is 50% fat - the richest of all mammals - and pups can double their body weight in a couple of weeks. They are nursed for 4-6 weeks before being weaned and on their own.

We thought after the sad outcome of Primo, you might enjoy the latest “rookery report.” As of Friday, Aug 13th, there were at least 110 seal pups at the rookery where the WDFW biologist and our volunteer did observations. Each year, a number of pups are abandoned at the rookeries due to disturbances that separate them from their mothers before they can imprint - disturbances such as boaters getting too close or eagles swooping in for the placenta immediately after birth. Most often these pups die because another seal will not nurse them. However, we were thrilled to see a mom nursing not one, but three pups! In the photo, you can see her in the bottom left corner nursing two, while the third takes a break behind her. Pups of all sizes were crawling, flopping, hopping and swimming around us and calling out “maaaaaaaa.” It was a veritable festival of blubberballs and a joy to behold. Many of these pups are close to being weaned and may be visiting West Seattle sometime soon.

“When angels fell, some fell on the land, some on the sea.
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.

Tags: primo

Seal Sitters is elated to share the news that our little pup Primo is winging her way to the San Juans as we speak. With the authorization of NOAA, SS volunteers removed Primo from the beach at 6:45 this morning. She spent the entire night on the beach tucked behind a log. Volunteers checked on her throughout the night and were on the scene before daylight. Primo was driven to PAWS where she was quickly evaluated by their staff.

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.

Tags: primo

Primo hauled out on the sandy beach around 1 pm this afternoon and stayed til late tonight. He was looking thinner today and a bit less active, however, he was aware of the crowd of people who were enthralled with his tiny presence. Volunteers informed many people about seal pups and their need to rest. They learned that it is an especially critical period as they go through the weaning process. Pups burn through the fat store that sustains them during this transition from nursing to foraging on their own.

Children and adults alike were fascinated by this adorable pup. Shown at left are four of the five young people who defended a seal in trouble last year. And now, they are our newest Seal Sitters!

Tags: primo

Our beautiful little pup Primo showed up again this morning on a private stretch of Alki Beach. He was very alert and a concerned group of homeowners was keeping a collective eye on him. That’s poop on his side, which is a good thing - it means he did have something to eat! Thankfully, it was a drizzly morning and very few people were strolling the beach, although there were five dogs off leash. Please remember that it is the law that all dogs must be on a leash. Every year dogs maul seal pups - much to the horror of the dog owner.

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.

Tags: primo

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.

Many thanks to Dyanna Lambourn, Marine Mammal Research Biologist for WDFW, for sharing this hilarious photo of a female California sea lion (photo at right). Typically, we have no female CA sea lions in Puget Sound as they do not migrate. However, for the past four years or so this female has called South Puget Sound her home. Dyanna writes, “I think all of you have heard me talk about an adult female CA sea lion that has made the green Nisqually buoy her residence over at least the last 4 summers. Well, over the winter the buoy was replaced by a channel marker. I resighted her up at the Toliva Schoal Red buoy earlier in June with an adult male CA and a sub-adult Steller, but had not seen her since. Well, it appears she prefers to hang out at Nisqually.” 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.

Many of our new volunteers as well as the public are probably wondering where the seal pups are and why we haven’t seen any yet in West Seattle. This is prime time for pups to be born in the rookeries, so a little bit early still for pups to hit our shores. Most seasons, pups have begun to arrive mid-August. This year, however, the south end of Puget Sound has already had many reports of pups on shore and too many cases of human interference. Many of the pups have been born prematurely like the lanugo pup shown here.

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.

Tags: lanugo

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.

This is a reminder to all boaters that this is harbor seal birthing season and boating (or kayaking) too close to a seal haul out this time of year puts newborn seals in grave danger. On Thursday, while a WDFW marine mammal biologist was observing a south Puget Sound seal rookery, a boat filled with adults and children intentionally ignored signs warning of a closed harbor and sped directly towards the island where over 200 seals rested. Within several seconds the entire rookery was in chaos and the site evacuated by the seals. A female was in active labor as the boat roared towards her and she gave birth on the beach and disappeared into the water - leaving the pup still in the amniotic sac at the water’s edge. The boat then turned and roared away. For the next 15 minutes, the biologist waited anxiously to see if the mother would return for her pup. If a mother seal does not imprint and bond with her pup immediately after birth, the pup will be abandoned and die a slow, agonizing death by starvation. Thankfully, this mom and pup were reunited. However, there are already several abandoned pups at this haul out site - either the result of similar boating incidents or the result of some other disturbance where mom and pup were separated. Seal pups only have a 50% survival rate the first year.

NOAA Enforcement is investigating the incident and examining photos and video of the boat and occupants. It is against the law to harass marine mammals with consequences ranging from steep fines to jail time. Please, boaters, be respectful and let seals rest, give birth and nurse their young. As of Thursday, there were 18 pups and numerous pregnant females at the rookery. The birthing season extends into September in our region. Enjoy our waters and enjoy the wonder of seals from a safe distance.

“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.

(see updates at end of story)
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.

Tags: gray whale, stranded gray whale, everett gray whale

A gray whale stranded yesterday morning in Everett off Harborview Park. It is believed to be the same whale that has been feeding in the Everett area for some weeks now. NOAA had responded to earlier reports of a stranding at this location, but the whale had managed to swim free before the stranding expert arrived.

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.

Tags: gray whale, stranded gray whale, everett gray whale

Our seal pup birthing season has begun in South and Central Puget Sound. Typically, pups born in the rookeries won’t visit our urban Seattle shores for about a month or so. However, there have already been premature and full-term pups on beaches from Everett to Tacoma. Sadly, there have also been illegal pickups of some of those pups. A premature pup is often distinguished by a long, white lanugo coat that is usually shed inside the womb. A premature pup already has a reduced chance of surviving - one that is diminished even more if people interfere. Please spread the word that it is against the law to pick up a seal pup. Their best chance to survive is with their mom. Do not move them! If you see a pup alone on the beach, call the NOAA Stranding Hotline 1-800-853-1964 or (in West Seattle) Seal Sitters 206-905-SEAL (7325).

Tags: lanugo

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.

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.

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.

Like many wild animals, the spotted coats of seals are part of nature’s grand design to blend them in with their environment - and protect them from predators. Click here to view more pinnipeds in disguise. However, when it comes to the ultimate in animal camouflage, check out this video about the amazing transformations of the octopus!

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.

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.

Tags: training, volunteer training

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.

(please see most recent health update at the end of this post)

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!

Tags: thermoregulation