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Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute (CIMWI)

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What Is A Stranded Animal

Generally, a stranded animal is any live marine animal that is out of its element, or outside of its survival envelope (Geraci and Lounsbury, 1993). Examples of stranded animals include a dolphin lying on the beach, a seal that is out of its range, or an icebound whale.

Healthy seals, sea lions, walruses, and otters naturally haul out onto land at times to rest, mate, pup, or molt (Geraci and Lounsbury, 1993). This behavior is not considered stranding. A healthy pup, which may appear stranded because it is thin, feeble, and crying plaintively, may have a mother nearby (Geraci and Lounsbury, 1993).

Info provided by SEA World/Bush Gardens website. Visit their website for more information: http://www.seaworld.org/animal-info/info-books/rescue-&-rehab/stranded-animal.htm