Have you seen me?

Believe it or not, I am not actually lost!

I'm just resting while my mom looks for my breakfast (or lunch or dinner or snack). She is a much faster swimmer and I can’t keep up. So she tucks me away on the beach, and I nap while she hunts. It’s a pretty sweet deal …unless I get interrupted.

Sometimes people come up and want to rescue me, thinking I'm hurt or abandoned. I promise you it’s not true. My mom loves me and wouldn’t do such a thing.

Sometimes people can’t resist how cute I am (I know, I know) and want to pet my nice soft fur. I understand, but please don’t touch me. My mom doesn’t like the smell of humans—no offense.

The best thing you can do for me is to just leave me alone. I know that doesn’t sound very nice, but I promise I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be. Soon I'll be out on the water gobbling up delicious sea-treats, just like Mom.

Environmental connection

It is seal and sea lion pup season on Commencement Bay! This little harbor seal pup was spotted along the shoreline near one of the Port’s habitat sites.

While they look irresistible, it is illegal to touch, feed, harass or capture these little cuties. This includes keeping pets away as well. It's best to stay at least 100 yards away to ensure you don't disturb the pup, or prevent the mother from coming ashore or calling the pup out into the water.

For more information, check out the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Share the Shore Frequently Asked Questions.

Note: Although our photos look close, all were taken from a safe distance (we love zoom lenses!) and at last check, our little pup is back on shore. Napping again.