Hurry to the coast and you may be lucky enough to see Oregon’s harbors and coves turn into the most adorable marine mammal kiddie pools. Harbor seal pupping season runs from March through mid-July so the next few weeks are your last chance this year to see newborn pups splashing in the surf, going for piggyback rides on their mothers, and taking their very first galumph: the official term for seals’ movement on land.
These chubby silver-gray pinnipeds–not to be confused with sea lions that are distinguished by their brown coats and ear flaps– make their homes up and down the Oregon coast in bays and estuaries, often spotted poking their curious heads out of the water or sunning themselves in groups.
The harbor seal babies can swim just minutes after birth and spend their time testing out their flippers with their mothers and resting and nursing on beaches, sand bars and rocks just off shore.
It’s crucial that these animals are given lots of space because human presence, domestic dogs, or even excessive noise can cause a mother seal to abandon the area. Even if a pup appears to be alone, interfering in any way is prohibited under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. If there are still concerns, experts can be reached through the Marine Mammal Stranding Network at 1-866-767-6114.
Nothing will make your day quite like seeing baby animals making their way in the world, so bring your binoculars and zoom lenses and respect seasonal beach closures to admire and protect these adorable marine mammals.
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