Mile 207 - Seal Rock Wayside north, Seal Rocks, Deer Creek - June 5, 2022

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Today I came across a small seal or sea lion about 4 feet in length washed up on the shore. I thought it was dead, but then I noticed it had opened its eyes but I could tell it was very lethargic. It had been tagged. It didn't look like it was injured, but I did notice blood coming out of the prepuce or umbilicus. It looked as if it had an internal injury. Now that I had the Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute's Stranding Coordinator's mobile number (see previous post), I texted him and sent him a picture of the tag and what I observed. Here's what he said: "It's a weaned elephant seal pup. It was likely born and weaned in California this past winter....they often sustain superficial bleeding wounds from abrasions or bird pecks.... It looks thin and is likely malnourished". I told him that I would look for the pup the next day hoping that the little baby would have the strength to swim away. The next day, I reported to the Stranding Coordinator that I didn't see the pup and he replied that the pup had passed away last night and had been picked up for research and necroscopy. Rest in peace, little one.

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