Response
Every year, the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center responds to hundreds of distressed animal reports along the California coastline of Humboldt and Del Norte counties. Most of the reports come from members of the public who share our concern about the wellbeing of marine mammals in our area. The NMMC has dedicated volunteers who are trained to assess the health of stranded marine mammals. Animals are put on 48 hour watch with the exception of animals that need immediate intervention. Volunteers monitor the animal periodically during this time to determine if it needs to be rescued.
In Del Norte and Humboldt Counties, harbor seal pupping season starts around March and continues through June. During this time we receive many calls from people concerned that a pup alone on the beach has been abandoned by its mother. This is not usually the case. The mother is probably in the water nearby feeding. It is important to make sure you stay well away from the area or the mother may not return.
Reporting Marine Mammals in Distress
If you spot a distressed marine mammal, immediately report it. Reporting helps increase the chance of a successful rehabilitation. If possible, record the GPS coordinates of the location of the animal. Make note of the animal’s behavior, color, size, and any particular marking or tags. After reporting an animal, it is important to follow these steps:
- Do not approach or touch the animal.
- Monitor the situation from a safe distance (greater than 100 yards).
- Keep people and pets away from the animal.