Update: Sick Sea Lions on Oregon Beaches

Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network

Documenting and investigating the causes of marine mammal strandings in Oregon

Program Objectives

  • Collect data on stranded cetaceans, pinnipeds, sea otters, and sea turtles in Oregon
  • Determine causes of morbidity and mortality
  • Report data to NOAA Fisheries for inclusion in the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program’s National Stranding Database
  • Provide data to track emerging, infections, and zoonotic diseases
  • Pathology performed by the Oregon Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory
  • Document human interaction takes (boat collision, fisheries, gunshot, marine debris)
  • Mitigate harassment

  • Disentangle marine mammals from debris and fishery gear

  • Provide euthanasia to severely moribund animals

  • OMMSN answers more than 1,200 stranding-related calls annually

Learn more about OMMSN

Sea Lion Webcam

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Please NOTE
  • It's normal for seals and sea lions to rest on shore.
  • There are no rescue and rehabilitation options for sick or injured seals and sea lions in Oregon. The state policy is to minimize disturbance from people and to let nature take its course.

Learn how and what to report

Recent Strandings Map

Stranding Map

 

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California Sea Lions Sick with Leptospirosis

As in past years, we are currently seeing a significant increase in the frequency of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) appearing on Oregon beaches in varying states of health and disease. Many have been affected by Leptospirosis, a contagious bacterial infection of the kidneys. This disease causes animals to appear very lethargic and unable or unwilling to move their hind limbs, and is often accompanied by weight loss and pneumonia. While it is possible for infected animals to recover from this disease if given plenty of opportunity to rest, there is no option to rescue and rehabilitate these animals in Oregon.

Leptospirosis is transmissible to humans and dogs. We strongly advise people to keep themselves and their pets well clear of sea lions on the beach.

It is a violation of federal and state laws to harass, disturb, touch, or feed marine mammals. Please report violations to the Oregon State Police (800) 452-7888.

 

last updated: September 2023