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Seal Sitters, an organization of volunteers trained by NOAA, is dedicated to the protection and conservation of harbor seals and all marine mammals in their Western Washington habitat.

Seal Pup Birthing Season

South Puget Sound, July - September

This is the time of year when baby 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 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. Additionally, there is a $500 fine for having a dog, leashed or unleashed, on a public beach.

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. A weaned 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. If in doubt, however, or if you see a seal (or any marine mammal) that is injured or at risk of injury or harassment from humans or other animals call the NOAA Stranding and Enforcement Hotline @ 1-800-853-1964. In West Seattle, you may also call Seal Sitters Dispatch @ 206-905-SEAL.

There is also a need for volunteers to help protect the pups by informing the public about harbor seals and keeping people and dogs at a safe distance. Click here if you would like to volunteer to be a "seal sitter.” For more information about our group, please email us at info@sealsitters.org. Media please contact Brenda Peterson at media@sealsitters.org.

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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Seal Sitters’ volunteer training sessions begin in August. Click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.