ABC7: You Might Be Unintentionally Harming Young Marine Mammals, Rescue Center Says
- Behavior
- Natural history
Published by ABC7: April 25, 2024
Juvenile seals and sea lions have no trouble making themselves heard. But deciphering the traumatic events that landed them at the Marine Mammal Center Hospital in Sausalito takes some detective work.
"So each springtime we see a lot of young seals and sea lions needing the Marine Mammal Center's help," said conservation engagement director Adam Ratner. "So they're being separated from mom prematurely. Layered on top of that is that there are lots of animals out on the beach and a lot of people out on the beaches as well."
He added that they are often alone and vulnerable when they're rescued.
They are also victims of human interaction that's both unintentional and preventable.
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natural history
Adam Ratner
Giancarlo Rulli
Harbor Seal
Northern Elephant Seal
California Sea Lion