What should I do if I see a sea lion or other marine mammal on the beach?

• Identify your location. Look at the lifeguard towers or street location.
• Keep your distance.
  • Do not approach the animal.
  • It is against the law to approach within 50 feet of the animal.
• Keep others away from the animal until lifeguards, Animal Services or rescue personnel arrive.
• Do not try to feed the animal.
• Do not pour water on a seal or sea lion.
• Is the animal alive or dead?
• Note whether the animal has any visible tags.
• Note the size, approximate weight, location and general condition of the animal.
  • Is the animal abnormally thin that you can see ribs and bone structure?
• Note the type of injury or problem and if you see any of the following:
  • The animal looks ill, wounded or in distress.
  • It is a lone seal pup
  • It is in an unusual place where seals or sea lions are not normally seen.
  • Fishing line is wrapped around some part of the body.
  • Fishing hooks or other foreign objects are affixed to the body.
  • There are noticeable new cuts, bleeding, abrasions or injuries.
• Call for Animal Services assistance at (310) 379-5411 and/or
• Call the Marine Animal Rescue at 1-800-39-WHALE.

What should I do if I see a cetacean on the beach (whale or dolphin)?

Contact Marine Animal Rescue immediately at 1-800-39-WHALE.

Why is it dangerous to approach a marine mammal such as a sea lion?

• Sea lions are more aggressive than seals.
• They can react quickly and move fast.
• They have sharp teeth.
• They have a powerful bite.
• They carry bacteria that are harmful to humans and dogs.
• They can be territorial and aggressive especially if they are cornered or harassed.
• They are unpredictable, like any wild animal.

What will Animal Services officers do?

• They will further assess the condition of the animal.
• Seals and sea lions may come ashore to stay warm or dry if they feel ill.
• They will return to the water when they want to return.
• They will call for the expertise of marine mammal specialists at Marine Animal Rescue.
• The work of Marine Animal Rescue may be seen at http://whalerescueteam.org/  
• This organization assists Redondo Beach and other communities with emergency and long term assistance to seals, dolphins, whales and pelicans in distress.

What are the differences between a seal and a sea lion?

• Seals have small ear holes; sea lions have small external ear flaps.
• Seals have short foreflippers and drag themselves on land like a worm or caterpillar.
• Sea lions have long foreflippers and walk on their front and rear flippers.
• Sea lions are more aggressive than seals; keep your distance from them.

What law protects seals and sea lions?

The Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.



Last Updated on 7/20/11