You can make a difference for a marine mammal in distress by following these simple steps:
DON'T TOUCH — Do not touch, pick up or feed the animal. Do not return the animal to the water.
OBSERVE — Observe the animal from a distance of at least 50 feet. Keep people and dogs away.
DESCRIBE — Note physical characteristics such as size, presence of external ears and fur color. Assess the animal's condition: Is it weak or skinny? Does it have any open wounds? Look for any obvious identification tags or markings.
LOCATE — Determine the animal's exact location for accurate reporting.
CALL — Call The Marine Mammal Center with as much information as you have.
Our Rescue Hotlines are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
In Mendocino through San Mateo counties:
(415) 289-SEAL (7325)
In Monterey and Santa Cruz counties:
In San Luis Obispo County:
In Hawai‘i (for Hawaiian monk seal sightings):
Click on the images above to learn more about the animal