'Not all pups on the beach need rescuing': Marine mammal rescue centre sees increase in human interference
The Vancouver Aquarium's Marine Mammal Rescue Centre says it has seen an uptick in cases of "human interference" during this year's harbour seal pupping season, and it's reminding the public not to approach wild animals.
"We understand why someone might be inclined to approach seal pups – they look adorable and can appear abandoned when seen without mom – but not all pups on the beach need rescuing," said Lindsaye Akhurst, the centre's manager, in a news release.
"The best thing you can do for any marine mammal you suspect needs help is to keep people and pets back and to call the VAMMRC," Akhurst added.
As of Thursday, the rescue centre had admitted 14 patients so far this season. The centre asks the people who report seal pups to name the animals as they enter its care.
If the naming process "stalls," centre staff ask people to choose a name based on what they last ate.
Among the seals in the centre's care currently are "Sushi," "Scrambled Egg," "Popcorn," and "Cauliflower Jack."
The rescue centre employs a team of veterinarians and volunteers and is equipped to rehabilitate seals, sea lions, sea otters, sea turtles and small cetaceans, such as harbour porpoises, at its facility at the aquarium.
It also responds to off-site emergencies, rescuing more than 100 animals each year.
“This is an exciting time of year, and it can be thrilling to see marine mammals in the wild, but we also need to ensure we are not interfering with a marine mammal who may be exhibiting normal behaviour," Akhurst said. "We have noticed an alarming trend of patients being admitted to the VAMMRC due to human disturbance this year so far."
The centre is reminding anyone who sees a stranded marine mammal not to approach it. Instead, the centre asks the public to keep pets and people away and call either the centre at 604-258-7325 or the Fisheries and Oceans Canada incident reporting hotline at 800-465-4336.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
'Life was not fair to him': Daughter of N.B. man exonerated of murder remembers him as a kind soul
The daughter of a New Brunswick man recently exonerated from murder, is remembering her father as somebody who, despite a wrongful conviction, never became bitter or angry.
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.