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Today I came across a small seal or sea lion about 4 feet in length washed up on the shore. I thought it was dead, but then I noticed it had opened its eyes but I could tell it was very lethargic. It had been tagged.  It didn't look like it was injured, but I did notice blood coming out of the prepuce or umbilicus. It looked as if it had an internal injury. Now that I had the Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute's Stranding Coordinator's mobile number (see previous post), I texted him and sent him a picture of the tag and what I observed. Here's what he said: "It's a weaned elephant seal pup. It was likely born and weaned in California this past winter....they often sustain superficial bleeding wounds from abrasions or bird pecks.... It looks thin and is likely malnourished".  I told him that I would look for the pup the next day hoping that the little baby would have the strength to swim away. The next day, I reported to the Stranding Coordinator that I didn't see the pup and he replied that the pup had passed away last night and had been picked up for research and necroscopy. Rest in peace, little one.

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Baby elephant seal

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All Mile 207 Reports

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Mile 207

Seal Rock Wayside north, Seal Rocks, Deer Creek

August 6, 2023

The extremely dry weather is affecting the sandstone at the base of the cliff.

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Mile 207

Seal Rock Wayside north, Seal Rocks, Deer Creek

February 13, 2023

This report focuses on new erosion.

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Mile 207

Seal Rock Wayside north, Seal Rocks, Deer Creek

February 12, 2023

Interesting 6 inch long sand worms and movement pattern found on the beach during low tide.

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Mile 207

Seal Rock Wayside north, Seal Rocks, Deer Creek

June 5, 2022

Today I came across a small seal or sea lion about 4 feet in length washed up on the shore.

SierraCoolware

Mile 207

Seal Rock Wayside north, Seal Rocks, Deer Creek

May 18, 2022

Walking my mile, I noticed a tiny spotted baby seal washed up inbetween some surf tumbled sandstone.

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Mile 207

Seal Rock Wayside north, Seal Rocks, Deer Creek

April 12, 2022

I have never seen a tiny octopus in the wild.

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Mile 207

Seal Rock Wayside north, Seal Rocks, Deer Creek

January 4, 2022

In beginning January 2022, as I walk this stretch of beach every day, I noticed a very large entwined and tangled piece of rope and plastic that had washed up on the shore.

SierraCoolware

Mile 207

Seal Rock Wayside north, Seal Rocks, Deer Creek

June 8, 2019

dewiedeh