Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute (CIMWI)

If you encounter an injured, stranded, or distressed marine mammal, please follow this 4-step guide:

1. Do Not Touch!

Do not touch, feed, harass, cover, pour water on, allow dogs near, or coax the animal into the water. Observe the animal from a minimum of 50 feet. Keep both people and pets away from the stranded animal.

2. Observe Animal

• Size
• Weight
• Fur Color
• Presence or Absence of Ear Flaps
• Active or Weak
• Wounds or Blood
• Spasms or Convulsions
• Entangled in Fishing Line/Net

3. Determine Location

Determine the exact location of the animal. Be as accurate as possible and note any landmarks so the rescue team can easily find the animal.

4. Call Hotline

Call the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute Rescue Hotline at (805) 567-1505. Provide your name, phone number, specific information about the animal, and its location.

NOTE:

Marine mammals are protected under the Federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is illegal for unauthorized individuals to touch, disturb, feed, or otherwise harass these animals. Illegal actions could jeopardize the health of the animal.

Remember, these are wild animals and they may 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 a pet or person could be bitten. Disease can be transmitted between stranded animals and pets as well as humans.

Not all animals on the beach are 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 on shore while they are feeding at sea. It is in the best interest of these wild animals to have the least amount of human interaction as possible.

Download CIMWI's new "Stranded Marine Mammal Guide" (pocket-size version), click here.