Go Mariners!

October baseball excitement has spread to the beach as the Seattle Mariners vie for the American League championship and beyond. When a young weaned harbor seal hauled out recently, young Mariners fan Keene nicknamed the pup “Pumpkin Patch Power Baby Seattle Mariners” - or “Pumpkin Patch” for short.

Pumpkin Patch at Alki Beach. Photo by David Hutchinson, NOAA Permit #24359

This seal was previously spotted coming and going at Duwamish Head in West Seattle. Over several days, First Responders Suzanne and Brittany observed the 2-4 month-old seal to be alert and in fair body condition. One day Pumpkin Patch was not in his or her accustomed spot, but volunteer Melinda J saw signs the seal had recently left:

Seal tracks. Photo by Melinda Jones, NOAA Permit #24359

Early one Friday morning, Pumpkin Patch appeared on Alki Beach, a popular urban area full of visitors next to a busy street. Seal Sitters First Responders set up a large perimeter to protect the resting seal, and Beach Volunteers answered a “Seal on the Beach” alert to come and help with the stream of curious onlookers.

Decision time

By late afternoon Pumpkin Patch had been out of the water for 8 hours and seemed reluctant to go back in. Responders were increasingly concerned with signs of respiratory infection and made the difficult decision to send the weanling for veterinary care. A team from SR3 arrived to collect Pumpkin Patch and take the animal to the SR3 marine mammal hospital in Des Moines, WA.

Seal Sitters will update the condition of Pumpkin Patch as we learn more. We’re rooting for both Pumpkin Patch and the Mariners!

Our volunteers

It’s always a challenge when an animal hauls out at a very public place like Alki. Thanks to all the Seal Sitters who helped protect the seal and the public: Karin, David, Julia, Brittany, Melinda J, Suzanne, John S, Barb, Kristen, Victoria, John M, April and the SR3 crew. And a shout out to Monique, a passerby who decided to stay and assist.