Welcome to Seal Sitters

Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network, a non-profit group of volunteers trained by NOAA, is dedicated to the protection and conservation of harbor seals and all marine mammals in their Western Washington habitat. Founded in 2007, Seal Sitters plays a vital role in the NW Marine Mammal Stranding Network.

Seal Pup Birthing Season
South Puget Sound, Late June - September (view map of pupping season)
This is the time of year when seal "pups" grace our lives by visiting Puget Sound shores. The pups "haul out" to get much-needed rest and warmth by sleeping peacefully on the beaches and rocks, often alone for long hours before mom returns for them. These pups are extremely vulnerable at this time and need our protection to help them survive; only 50% of harbor seals survive their first year.

Please make sure your dogs are leashed at all times when you visit the beach. Not only are the seal pups at risk from dog attacks, but dogs are at risk, too. The seals carry numerous communicable diseases which your dog can contract simply by sniffing the seal. In most U. S. cities, dogs are not allowed on the beach.

Don't touch seal pups!
Never handle a baby seal. They are wild animals and can cause a severe bite. They can also carry diseases that are transmittable to humans and touching a marine mammal is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Never move a seal pup. If they are not weaned and the mother cannot find them, they will die. Harbor seal mothers are very shy and will not return ashore for young if they feel it is not safe, so always observe from a distance. NOAA recommends a minimum of 100 yards. Weaned pups need protection and rest, too, since they are now on their own without mom's rich milk for survival. A pup that is scared back into the water will be weak and more prone to low body weight, parasites and predators. Please give them space!

Since harbor seal pups do come ashore to regulate their temperature and gain the strength required for their survival, a pup that is alone onshore is not necessarily abandoned or sick.Call your local stranding network to report marine mammals on shore.

If you see a seal or other marine mammal on beaches from West Seattle (King County) north to Kayak Point (Snohomish County), please call Seal Sitters Hotline: 206-905-SEAL (7325).

For all other beaches, please call the NOAA NW Stranding Hotline: 1-800-853-1964. It is against Federal law to feed, touch, harass or move a marine mammal. If you see a violation or if an animal is endangered, call NOAA Enforcement at 1-800-853-1064.

For a complete listing of numbers to call in Washington and Oregon, please click here.