Harbor Seal Shot in Bellingham: Third Marine Mammal Gunshot Case in Under a Year
Seal pup is currently recuperating at SR3 marine hospital.
The young seal, known as Number 24, was shot in the head and rescued in Bellingham. The seal is being cared for at SR3, the Pacific Northwest’s only marine hospital.
The seal was predicted to have been shot over July fourth weekend.
"Number 24 came in and unfortunately we discovered through taking radiographs that this animal has been shot and has a projectile lodged in the top of their skull," Casey McLean, executive director and veterinary nurse at SR3, said. "We are working to stabilize this animal and hopefully be able to rehabilitate him to return him to the wild."
Credit: King 5
An X-ray of harbor seal pup No.24 revelaed a bullet lodged inside its body. The pup survived after livesaving care at SR3.
The next steps include undergoing a CT scan to better understand if taking out the bullet is safe.
Caregivers say the pup has continued its path to healing. The marine hospital said No. 24 was one of the many marine animals to be brought to the center with shot wounds.
"We are seeing an increasing number of gunshot cases coming in. We've seen about four in less than a year. This can range from adult animals to this young harbor seal pup," McLean said. "It's really sad because we do see this as a case where people are taking out their frustration over salmon issues on these animals."
Veterainerns believe that the resaon of all the shootings could be because of the need of more salmon. Seals are the primary driver of salmon declines.
"Unfortunately, seals and sea lions are not the reason for salmon decline, and the science is quite clear about that," McLean said.
When injured, a harbor seal pups typically spend a few months in rehabiliation beofre they are strong enough to return to the wild. As of now, its uncertain, depending on the CT scan and the possible need of surgery.
Source: Seal pup shot in Bellingham highlights rise in marine gunshot cases