It is normal for many species of
marine mammals to climb out of the water onto a beach or rocks. Call
only if the mammal appears to be in some kind of distress or is
deceased. If the animal appears healthy, the best thing you can do is to
only observe from a distance of at least 100 feet, and encourage others
in the area to do the same. Federal law requires that you do not
approach, disturb or make contact with a marine mammal in any way.
When you call, a specialist at the
Nortwest Wildlife Rehabilitation Center will take your name and number
and forward it to one of our investigators. When we call you back,
here are some of the questions you may be asked:
Where is the mammal?
What is the closest street to
the mammal, and if possible a nearby house number or cross street?
Instructions on how to get from
the street to the mammal.
What type of marine mammal is
it. If unsure, what is the color, shape, and general body structure?
What is the condition of the
mammal?
Are there any clear indications
as to why the mammal may be in distress? For example: stuck in
rocks, bleeding, trapped in a net, etc.
DO NOT
APPROACH OR MAKE CONTACT WITH THE MARINE MAMMAL!
Although you have the best of
intentions, it is a violation of Federal Law to approach or make contact
with marine mammals. Making contact is a danger to both you and
the mammal. For example, approaching or touching young marine mammals
often causes the mother to abandon them. Distressed marine mammals
are often ill with diseases that can be transmitted to humans or other
animals (such as dogs).
Once you have called, here are some
ways that you can help:
Stay near the marine mammal and
follow any instructions you were given when you called.
When our volunteers arrive,
assist them in finding the animal.
Remain in the area in case our
volunteers need your help, but stay at a distance from the animal
unless you are asked to approach and help.
While waiting for our volunteers
to arrive, do not approach the marine mammal and keep others from
approaching. Establish a perimeter of at least 100 feet around the
mammal.
Both before and after our
volunteers arrive, watch for other animals that may attempt to make
contact with the animal and if it can be done safely, chase them
off.
Watch for people walking dogs,
especially unleashed dogs. Go and talk with them long before
they get near the mammal and ask them to stay far away. Since
there is always a chance that dogs will bark and aggressively tug on
their leash, causing fear and additional stress for the marine
mammal, even leashed dogs must be kept far away. If you
yourself discovered the mammal while walking your dog, keep the dog
on a leash and maintain a greater distance from the mammal that is
in distress or deceased. Remember that ill or deceased marine
mammals often carry diseases that can be transmitted to dogs and
humans.
If the marine mammal returns to
the sea, or if its condition changes, call back and report the
change.
Thank you for your assistance. It is greatly
appreciated.
