A three-week-old male harbor seal is receiving treatment at the Sea Life Response, Rehab and Research (SR3) facility in Des Moines, Washington, after being found with a gunshot wound to the head. The animal was admitted over the Fourth of July weekend. During an initial examination, X-rays confirmed the presence of a bullet in the pup's skull.
As of July 15, the seal is in critical but stable condition. SR3 Executive Director Casey McLean stated that the organization intends to perform a CT scan to determine the feasibility of removing the bullet and to assess the animal's long-term chances of survival. This pup is the youngest marine mammal the facility has treated for such an injury.
This incident marks the third time in less than a year that SR3 has treated a marine mammal for gunshot wounds. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, it is a federal crime to harass, capture, or kill seals and sea lions. No suspects have been identified, and authorities are asking the public to report any suspicious activity observed on the water to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association or the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.