WHY DO MARINE MAMMALS GET STRANDED?
Why marine mammals strand is not completely understood by scientists. Stranding behaviors appear to vary from species to species and by location and involves many of the following factors: – complex oceanographic and topographic features – extreme low tides – pollution – weather conditions – predators – natural toxins – geomagnetic disturbances and errors in navigation – following prey inshore – disease – disturbance of echolocation in shallow water – social cohesion – human-related injuries Seals and sea lions often spend several hours hauled out on beaches, rocks or islands. Notify the stranding network if you observe a: – lone seal pup – wounded seal or sea lion – seal or sea lion hauled out in an unusual place (i.e. busy beach or boat ramp) Seal pups often rest on shore. Do not disturb them – it’s the law! Whales, dolphins and porpoises should always be in the water. If you observe a live whale, dolphin or porpoise on the beach call the stranding network immediately! If the animal
