What to do if you see hurt animals

Yesterday at #CannonBeach, my wife and I came across this resting seal. It’s easy to understand why people want to get close to such incredible #wildlife , but getting too close causes severe stress to sick or resting marine animals. We called the local Cannon Beach crew, who quickly put up signs reminding everyone to stay at least 50 feet away a boundary backed by federal law under the #MarineMammalProtectionAct. 

If you ever see a seal or sea lion resting on the shore, here is what you should do:

1. Give them space: Keep a minimum distance of 50 feet ( #NOAA recommends up to 150 feet) so they can rest or recover without feeling threatened.

2. Keep pets on a leash: Uncontrolled dogs can easily startle or harm wildlife.

3. Don’t touch or feed: Seals come ashore naturally to molt, rest, or nurse they do not need to be returned to the water.

4. Call for help: If an animal appears injured, call local #wildlife responders or the #Oregon #Marine Mammal Stranding Network hotline at 1-800-452-7888.

Let’s keep our #beaches beautiful and safe for the #animals that call them home. 🌊🦭✨