Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute (CIMWI)

What to do with a Stranded Animal

If you encounter an injured, stranded or distressed marine mammal, please follow these steps:
Or download our new "What to Do for a Stranded Marine Mammal" Pocket Guide, click here

1. Do Not Touch!

Do not touch the animal.  Give it plenty of space.  Remember, these are wild animals and they bite!

It is important to keep both people and pets away from the stranded animal.  If pets are around the area, make sure they are on a leash.  These animals are easily stressed by humans and crowding may cause them to act aggressively.  Pets can also add stress to the animal’s situation and may make things worse.  A pet could bite the stranded animal causing injury and it is possible that the pet could be bitten.  Disease can be transmitted between stranded animals and pets as well as humans. 

Do not touch the animal, cover it, pour water on it or try to return it to the water.  Even if the animal is sick or injured, your actions could jeopardize the health of the animal.  Not all animals on the beach have stranded and require human intervention or medical attention.  Seals and sea lions sometimes temporarily rest on land (“haul out”) and mothers often leave their pups ashore while they are feeding at sea.  It is in the best interest of these wild animals to have the least amount of human interaction.

Do not feed these animals.  Feeding them something other than what they eat in the wild may lead to illness and possibly death.

2. Observe

Observe the animal from a safe distance to protect yourself and the animal.

Note the physical characteristics and condition of the animal.

• What is the approximate length, weight and color of the animal?
• Is it active or weak?
• Are there any wounds?  Is it bleeding?
• Is it entangled in fishing line, rope, net, etc.?
• Is it having spasms/convulsions?
• Are there any identification tags or unique identifying marks on the animal?

3. Determine Location

Determine the location of the animal.  Be as accurate as possible so the response team can find the animal.  Note any landmarks, identifying markers, distance, etc.

4. Communicate

Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute is in the process of establishing protocols and training Stranding Response Team volunteers for Ventura County.  Until this team and practices are in place, please follow the outlined process below:

Contact a Lifeguard, Park Ranger, Harbor Patrol or a Ventura County agency* to report the situation.  Communicate specific information about the animal and its location.  It is also important to provide your name and a contact phone number so a volunteer can get more detailed information from you if necessary.

Communicate the following:

1. Your name
2. Your contact phone number
3. The specific location of the animal.
• Note any landmarks, identifying markers, distance, etc.  Be as accurate as you can so the volunteers can find the animal.
4. A description of the situation
5. A description of the environment – people, animals, water
6. The physical characteristics and condition of the animal observed (see #2)

Ventura County Agencies: