Tips on sharing the shore with seals

A few tips from the Marine Mammal Center on how to be a wildlife hero when encountering seals and sea lions:

  • Keep your distance and stay back at least 150 feet (that’s half a football field!) from elephant seals and 300 feet from harbor seals.

  • Read and follow posted signage while remaining behind ropes or barriers.

  • Use the zoom on your camera to capture the moment. Pack your binoculars for an up-close view and use your camera’s zoom for photos.

  • Leash your pets for the safety of all animals on the beach

  • Call the experts to report marine mammals in distress. Save our hotline: 415-289-SEAL (7325)

Remember, these guidelines are for both wildlife safety and your own. It's not only the law, but it's also courteous to give wildlife plenty of space in their natural habitat.

Watch the Marine Mammal Center’s livestream at the Lifeboat Station at Chimney Rock. Seals visit year-round and the Marine Mammal Center releases rehabilitated seals here. Text RELEASE to 65179 to be alerted when a patient release is about to start, as well as other messages with marine mammal stories, news and more.

Reporting sick, injured, or abandoned marine mammals at Point Reyes

If you see a seal (adult or pup) that you think is in distress, do not touch or approach it. Contact a park ranger and give the exact location and a description of the animal, making note of its behavior, color, size (length and girth), and any particular markings or tags.

Contact the nearest National Seashore ranger first:

If there is no answer at National Seashore numbers, call the Marine Mammal Center at 415-289-7325

Harbor seals

Harbor seals are finishing their breeding season (March through June) at Point Reyes. You may encounter a curious pup alone on the beach. It’s likely not abandoned — just waiting for its mom to return from fishing nearby. If you get too close to the pup, the mom may not return to its pup. Watch from a distance with binoculars. Learn about Harbor Seals at Point Reyes

Harbor seals, Bolinas Lagoon © Ray Duffy

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