To report a dead, injured, or stranded marine mammal:

• NOAA West Coast Region Stranding Hotline: 1-866-767-6114
• Washington Department of Fisheries and Wildlife (253) 589-7235

To report harassments and other violations to law enforcement call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline: 1-800-853-1964

If you see a stranded marine mammal

• First, determine if the animal is truly stranded. Many seals and sea lions haul out and rest on land and are not in distress.
• Approach no closer than a distance of 100 yards.
  This will minimize the potential for disturbing a resting animal and/or reduce stress for an animal that may be recovering from illness or injury.
• Dogs should be leashed and kept away from seals on the beach.
  Baby seals can easily fall prey to dogs. Older seals may bite in self-defense. Some diseases are infectious to dogs, seals, and humans.
• A minimum undisturbed observation period of 24-48 hours is recommended to determine whether a pup is being attended by a female.
  Seal pups need time ashore. Mother seals will not return if people or dogs are nearby. The pup’s best chance at survival is to be left alone on the beach. Please stay at least 100 yards away from seal pups. Signs of an attendant female would include sightings of seal(s) in the water nearby, tracks near the pup, and movement of the pup up or down the beach or in and out of the water.
• Do not handle, cover, pour water on, or attempt to feed seal pups.
  Feeding seals in the wild is a form of harassment and is harmful. Seals that are fed by humans quickly learn to seek humans for feeding opportunities. Unfortunately, the next dead fish they find may have a hook in it.

• Feeding does more harm than good. The animals’ behavior changes.
• Raccoons will stay active during the day even though they are nocturnal. They learn to approach humans for food – and they can be aggressive.
• Canada geese will completely change their migratory habits and take up permanent residence when conditioned by routine feeding.
• Raccoons frequently bite people who are feeding them. Raccoon bites can cause very serious injury and can lead to medical evaluation for rabies post exposure treatment.
• Children can pick up roundworms through exposure to raccoon feces; leptospirosis in raccoon urine contaminates water and soil where kids may play.
• On land, goose excrement provides a breeding ground for E Coli. Geese scatter their waste through picnic and play areas as they travel confidently toward people who offer bread and other foods.
• Add to those risks the dangers of raccoons getting too close to moving cars. The results are often deadly for raccoons.
• Wild raccoons can easily forage for themselves and stay healthier doing so.

Dogs

• Animal Care & Control (253) 627-7387 or 911
  • Animal bites
  • Aggressive animals
  • Injured or sick animals
  • Found animals
  • Animal cruelty or welfare
  • Stray animal pick-up
  • Other services requiring a timely response
• Humane Society (253) 383-2733
  Shelter for local animals

Wild Animals

• WA Dept of Fish & Wildlife (360) 249-4628

Injured Wild Animals

• PAWS Wildlife Center (Lynnwood, WA) – (425) 787-2500 x 817
• The Sarvey Wildlife Center (Arlington, WA) (360) 435-4817
• South Sound Critter Care (Kent, WA) – open 365 days (360) 886-8917
• For Heaven’s Sake (Rochester, WA) – (360) 273-0550

Stranded/Beached Marine Mammals

• If you witness any marine animal abuse or cruelty please call the NOAA hotline: 1-800-853-1964
• If you witness a stranded seal pup please call the Dept. of Fish & Wildlife: (253) 208-2427