Since June 2006, we have experienced an influx of juvenile Guadalupe fur seals (Arctocephalus townsendi) in the Pacific Northwest. This species is typically only found along the coasts of Southern and Central California and Baja California. At least 20 such fur seals have been reported stranded in Washington and Oregon (including two live animals). We will be collecting sightings information, carcasses and tissues from these animals whenever possible.

Guadalupe fur seals closely resemble their cousins, the northern fur seal (Callorhinus ursinus). Both species have very thick coats of fur, and long front and rear flippers. The Guadalupe, however, has a longer snout with a prominent bulbous nose, and fur on the dorsal side of the front flippers which extends well beyond the middle, or wrist area. In northern fur seals, the fur on the front flipper ends midway down the dorsal side in a straight line.

                   
Guadalupe fur seal                                              northern fur seal

Guadalupe fur seal head                                      northern fur seal head  

Guadalupe fur seal flipper                                    northern fur seal flipper