The Marine Mammal Center reports a concerning trend where over 26% of marine mammals rescued are harmed due to human or dog interactions. In 2024, 257 cases were documented, emphasizing the need for public awareness. Misguided attempts by beach visitors to assist stranded seals, often driven by genuine concern, can lead to severe disturbances, particularly in young seal pups. The center aims to educate the public as summer approaches, highlighting the importance of protecting marine wildlife by refraining from intervening in natural behaviors.
We're really trying to get the word out as school winds down and people start heading to the beaches with the warming weather.
They go up to it and maybe they try and put water on it or they try and help it back into the water, and it's just misguided.
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