Seals are one of the most commonly seen marine mammals in Puget Sound. And while they stay mostly in water, they do come ashore at times to rest and to give birth. If you see a seal on the beach, give it plenty of space.

The public is prohibited from harassing, harming, pursuing, wounding, killing, capturing, or collecting marine species protected by the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) urges everyone to observe marine animals from a safe and respectful distance, and do not approach or touch them.

• Do not feed, or attempt to feed, any marine mammals. It’s harmful and illegal.  
• Do not swim with, ride, pet, touch, or attempt to interact with marine mammals.  
• For seals and sea lions in the water, or on shore, remain at least 50 yards away—about 1/2 a football field. This includes people and pets.
• Report animals that appear injured or sick. If you think an animal is in trouble—if it’s entangled, stranded, sick, or injured—please report it. And, keep your distance. These animals are already vulnerable and may be more likely to bite. In Shoreline, contact: Sno-King Marine Mammal Response at 206-695-2277  
• Keep pets away from marine life. Wild animals can injure and spread diseases to pets, and in turn, pets can harm, injure, disturb, and spread diseases to marine wildlife. If you are traveling with pets, always keep them on a leash and away from areas frequented by marine animals like seals and sea lions.  
• Report incidents of people or pets tormenting, disturbing, or attempting to touch a marine mammal or sea turtle. Contact NOAA’s National Enforcement Hotline at 800-853-1964.  
• Never feed or attempt to feed marine animals—it’s illegal. Marine wildlife, like all wild animals, may bite and inflict injuries to people who try to feed them. Feeding by humans can alter animals’ natural behavior, make them dependent on handouts, and can be harmful to their health.

Share the Shore: Watch Marine Mammals Responsibly

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