Dog Bites Seal

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Seals, sea lions, and birds that beach themselves are attracting unwanted attention from dogs that bark at them, chase them and sometimes bite them. Dust-ups between canines trying to have fun and marine mammals trying to get some rest on the Southern California coast are particularly frequent on the shore between the north channel Marina Peninsula and the Venice Pier.

‘Most of the beachings are probably animals that need help,’ says marine animal rescuer Peter Wallerstein, with the nonprofit Friends of Animals. ‘If they don’t beach themselves, they can’t help themselves and we can’t help them.’

Wallerstein had to fend off three dogs to rescue this emaciated elephant seal pup that beached itself last week. ‘It’s a young one, just trying to figure out life without mom,’ he says. The pup is now recuperating at the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro.

-- Carla Hall

Wallerstein says that dogs have been known to chase ill marine mammals back into the water, where they end up drowning. Meanwhile, sick grebes and loons that ground themselves aren’t very mobile on land. ‘They are, excuse the pun, sitting ducks,’ says Wallerstein.

Dog owners have been known to yell at lifeguards who tell them to curb their pets. ‘You would think dog owners would be more conscientious,’ said Wallerstein.

If you come across a stranded marine animal, ‘stay away,’ advises Wallerstein. And that goes for your dog, too. You can also report animals in distress to a 24-hour hotline, 800-39-WHALE.

For more information, check out this website for Marine Animal Rescue.