We were proud to provide veterinary services and play a role in the surgery, rehabilitation, and ultimate release of this harbor seal that was shot last year. The shooter has admitted to pursuing and shooting the seal and will pay a $5,625 fine. According to NOAA:
"Marine mammals are protected by law, and we appreciate the work of the officers in this case to see that the offense carried serious consequences,” said Michael Killary, Deputy Special Agent in Charge for NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement, West Coast Division.
NOAA’s Office of General Counsel assessed a civil penalty of $6,250 against Hanson. However, the penalty was reduced by 10 percent to $5,625 in recognition of his timely acceptance of responsibility for the incident.
Photo by The Whale Museum.
Although the press release says they were not sure if the seal was hit, x-rays clearly show the lead trail from the pellet as it moved through the skin, into the muscle over the head, behind the eye, and then out, destroying the eye in the process. The eye was removed and the seal was released after recovery.
Because seals often forage at night and at depths beyond where light travels from the surface using their whiskers to identify the underwater path of fish, we know that one-eyed seals can still navigate and hunt and feed themselves.
Thanks to the amazing team of collaborators at The Whale Museum, SR3, Wolf Hollow Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, PAWS - Progressive Animal Welfare Society, Vancouver Aquarium and NOAA Fisheries West Coast.