While
out exploring the Lost Coast Trail there is a good chance you’ll come
across seals and sea lions on the beach. Most likely these will be harbor
seals, Stellar sea lions, or in one area there may also be northern elephant
seals.
The
presence of elephant seals here is new and if the few pups born this winter wean
this spring, this will be the farthest northern breeding colony that has been
established! This is exciting as being able to witness the creation of a new elephant
seal colony is a rare opportunity.
Photo by Jesse Irwin
In
part, the elephant seals are here because of the remote and undisturbed nature
of the lost coast. This is a great example of the importance of wilderness
areas. They are a welcoming place for
wild animals – a place where they can go and not be harassed and disturbed by
the constant presence of humans and all of our developments, machines, and
noise. This is wild nature at its finest and I’m proud that we have set aside
such places where the plants and animals are free to roam and proliferate
without the ever present manipulation of mankind. What better areas to observe the undisturbed
natural functions of the world?
The
Wilderness Act of 1964 states:
“A
wilderness, in contrast with those areas where man and his own works dominate
the landscape, is hereby recognized as an area where the earth and its
community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who
does not remain.”
You
can help the marine mammals of the Lost Coast by keeping at least 50 meters
from the animals. They may seem slow and sluggish at first glance but if
they’re disturbed or agitated they can move very fast in a very short amount of
time. It won’t be any problem to crush you with their 1,500 – 4,500 pounds of
weight. Staying at least 150 Feet (about 50 paces) from
the animals will help keep you safe as well as treat them with the respect and
undisturbed habitat they deserve. These
guidelines are mandated by the Marine Mammal Protection Act – a federal law
that has helped many marine mammal species recover. So, please help us maintain this peaceful and
safe place, not only for elephant seals, but for all of the marine mammal
visitors to our coast.
In
addition, please be very mindful of your dogs – which are required to be on a
leash or under voice control at all times. Dogs are probably one of the largest
threats to the disturbance and physical harm to the seals and sea lions of
the Lost Coast.
Please
note that seals and sea lions can go for long periods without breathing or
moving while on land! Please enjoy them
from a safe distance (150 feet). If, however
you notice a sick or injured marine mammal that you think needs attention you
can report it to the North Coast Marine Mammal Center at 707-951-4722. If the animal is dead, please call the HSU
Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at 707-826-3650.
Thank
you!
