March through June (peaks in May) is Harbor seal pup time along the Oregon Coast and beachcombers are likely to see them. The pups may look stranded but they are supposed to be there and they should not be touched. The mothers will not come to shore to feed them if humans are nearby and the pups can be easily separated from the mothers.

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.

To maximize seal pups’ chances for survival, please stay well away from them. These animals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act which prohibits interference with Seal pups on the beach. So if you see people or pets disturbing or removing one from the beach, the NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline is 1-800-853-1964 or call the Oregon State Police at 1-800-452-7888.