Mid May is the peak of the Harbor Seal birthing season here on the Oregon Coast. The Seal Moms frequently leave the pups on the beach while they hunt for food in the surf and will return several times a day to nurse the pup with their fat rich milk. The milk is so nutritious that the pups gain enough weight and size that by about four weeks of age they can live independently of the mothers and hunt for themselves. They are a joy to look at, from a distance of no less than 50 yards and must not be touched. This is the time to leash the dog. If molested in any way by humans the mothers will abandon the pup. All marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, so if by chance you observe anyone interfering with a beached seal or observe one in distress call the Oregon State Police @ 1-800-452-7888.
You can expect to spot adults pacing during your beach walk or observing you from the surf or in one of the bays. Just another reason to relocate to the wonderful Central Oregon Coast.
