Sad Update

Seal Sitters volunteers are sad to hear that “Pumpkin Patch,” the 2-4 month-old seal taken into care on Oct. 10, has passed away. (See the previous post Go Mariners! for the story of how Seal Sitters watched over the young weanling.)

Pumpkin Patch being carried off the beach.

On initial intake at SR3’s marine mammal hospital, Animal Husbandry Technician KC Scofield reported that Pumpkin Patch “was relatively stable and tolerating treatment well.” However, five days later, the animal was discovered non- responsive.

Parasitic lungworm

A necropsy done at SR3 found lungworms in the weanling’s trachea and lungs. Lungworm is a parasite commonly found in the harbor seal population, particularly in juveniles. An infestation compromises the animal’s ability to dive and forage and often results in bronchopneumonia and death.

50% of young harbor seals do not survive their first year, with infection a frequent cause of mortality.