Elephant Seal Visits San Juan Island County Park

June 11, 3:23 PMSan Juan Islands Travel ExaminerSheila Gaquin

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Elephant seal photographed in California by Mathew Field

For the last few days a female elephant seal has been visiting the shoreline of San Juan County Park near Smallpox Bay.  She appears to be in no hurry to move on.   The seal has been assessed by members of the San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network, and appears to be in good health. 

San Juan County Park staff and the San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network is asking for the public’s help in protecting this animal, since she seems to have decided to spend time in a rather busy spot, at a busy time of year.
 

Please:

• Stay well back, and do not approach the seal.
• Keep dogs on a leash and do not allow them to harass the seal in any way.
• Do not get between the seal and the water.

All marine mammals are protected by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act.  It is a violation of this law to approach, touch, attempt to feed, or harass the animal in any way.  Violations can result in fines of up to $10,000.

Volunteers from the San Juan Marine Mammal Stranding Network will be on hand at San Juan County Park through the weekend to keep bystanders away from the seal, and to inform the public about elephant seals and answer questions.