(see “pupdate”end of story)
Just after sundown and a little before high tide, a spotted seal pup has been wriggling ashore on a West Seattle beach to seek shelter. The pup was fist reported Wednesday evening on the sand beneath a bright moon and has come ashore like clockwork every evening since, except Saturday. Each evening, first responders would block off the entrance to the tiny beach and the grassy area above the pup, nicknamed Moonshadow, so that he could sleep undisturbed. And each morning, just before sunrise, Moonshadow would return to the cold waters of Puget Sound after a 12-hour rest (normal behavior for seal pups).

That is, until yesterday. The pup showed no interest in returning to the water to forage early in the morning. Instead, as the tide inched closer, Moonshadow inched further up on the sand. Volunteers stood watch in two-hour shifts, talking with the public and informing folks that winter months are a struggle for seal pups. Almost all pups this time of year are battling lungworm and tapeworm loads which often lead to viral infection. Rest is critical to help boost the weaned pup’s immune system and help fight off disease.

Moonshadow finally, and somewhat reluctantly, crawled towards the water around 4pm, rested a bit more and then swam off in the approaching darkness - after resting approximately 22 hours. Volunteers removed the tape perimeter and discussed concerns about his health.

Sometime late last night or in the morning’s wee predawn hours, Moonshadow came ashore again. He was sleeping soundly when Seal Sitters’ first responder arrived at 6am. The incoming tide swept over his flippers around 8 and the pup swam off in search of breakfast. There were fresh human and dog prints on the small beach. Please remember that dogs are NOT ALLOWED on Seattle beaches - leashed or unleashed. They are an inherent danger to vulnerable seal pups who are unable to move quickly on land - additionally, disease can be spread between species. An off-leash dog is reported to have mauled and killed a seal pup in Everett earlier this season.

We fully anticipate that Moonshadow, who may be suffering from an ear infection and parasite load, will be back today. Volunteers will continue to monitor his health. Please call Seal Sitters’ dedicated hotline (206-905-SEAL) if you see a pup or other marine mammal onshore.

PUPDATE
11/27/13 2:21pm
Moonshadow came ashore at 6:05pm last evening, returning to the water to forage at 8:15am this morning. We anticipate he will return to this safe haulout again tonight. Continued long periods of uninterrupted rest will help strengthen Moondshadow’s immune system, compromised by lower body weight and colder weather. Seal Sitters volunteers will continue to keep a close eye on his health.

11/28/13 Thanksgiving Day
Seal Sitters’ first responders captured Moondshadow and transported him to PAWS for stabilization and treatment. The pup’s health had been declining over the past couple of days, but due to tides and the pup’s position on the beach, we had not been able to ensure a successful capture until early this morning.

Tags: Moonshadow