More stranded fur seal pups spotted on coast

Experts with the Marine Mammal Center say they’re seeing an increase in the number of stranded fur seal pups on the California coast. The latest rescue took place last week, when members found a fur seal pup on Aptos Beach. As of Thursday, the center was taking care of a total of 10 fur seal pups.

Officials with the center say this is the second year in a row that they’ve seen an increase in fur pup rescues. Experts believe the warmer waters and El Nino could be forcing fur seals to abandoned their pups as they search for more food.

“For fur seals to be so thin, it’s even more concern because the fur seals do branch out and eat a lot of other animals,” said Dr. Cara Field, Marine Mammal Center Staff Veterinarian.

People who come across abandoned seal pup are asked not to try and rescue them. That could cause them further stress and prompt them to leave the area. Instead people can call the Marine Mammal Center rescue hotline at (415) 289-SEAL.