The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (VAMMR) has released a new public awareness video aimed at educating beachgoers on how to safely and responsibly respond to lone seal pups spotted along the coast.
“Most of the time, a seal pup seen alone is not abandoned,” said VAMMR in a statement. “It may simply be resting while its mother is nearby in the water.”
The video breaks it down into three clear steps: Don’t Touch, Stay Back, and Call and Report.
Don’t Touch: Members of the public are urged not to approach, feed, pick up, or return the animal to the water. “In Canada, it is against the law to disturb a marine mammal,” VAMMR noted, emphasizing that well-intentioned interference can do more harm than good.
Stay Back: If the animal reacts to your presence, you're too close. VAMMR recommends keeping a safe distance, using camera zoom for photos, and making sure pets and other people stay away.
Call and Report: Sightings should be reported to VAMMR’s 24-hour hotline at 604-258-SEAL (7325). “Even if you’re unsure, it’s always better to report,” the organization advised. Disturbances can also be reported to Fisheries and Oceans Canada at 1-800-465-4336.
VAMMR said it responds to more than 300 marine animal emergencies every year. Their work includes rescuing and rehabilitating sick, injured, or orphaned animals and disentangling sea lions caught in marine debris.
The organization encourages the public to watch and share the Be Seal Smart video, which is available online, to help raise awareness and protect marine wildlife.
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