'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
Canadian gov't proposes new foreign influence registry as part of wide-spanning new bill
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government is proposing a suite of new measures and law changes aimed at countering foreign interference in Canada, amid extensive scrutiny over past meddling attempts and an ever-evolving threat landscape.
Boeing Starliner capsule's first crewed test flight postponed
The long-awaited first crewed test flight of Boeing's new Starliner space capsule was called off for at least 24 hours over a technical issue that launch teams were unable to resolve in time for the planned Monday night lift-off.
Teacher charged in historical sexual assault of Calgary teenage girl
Calgary police have charged a teacher with the alleged sexual assault of a teenage girl more than 20 years ago.
Winnipeg man admits to killing four women, argues he's not criminally responsible
Defence lawyers of Jeremy Skibicki have admitted in court the accused killed four Indigenous women, but argues he is not criminally responsible for the deaths by way of mental disorder – this latest development has triggered a judge-alone trial rather than a jury trial.
Man banned from owning animals after fatal Calgary dog attack
The owner of three Calgary dogs that got loose and mauled a woman to death in 2022 has been ordered to pay a $15,000 fine within one year and banned from owning any animal for 15 years.
East-end Ottawa family dealing with massive rat infestation
Residents in Ottawa’s Elmridge Gardens complex are dealing with a rat infestation that just won’t go away. Now, after doing everything they can to try to fix the issue, they are pleading with the city to step in and help.
Mediterranean staple may lower your risk of death from dementia, study finds
A daily spoonful of olive oil could lower your risk of dying from dementia, according to a new study by Harvard scientists.
An El Nino-less summer is coming. Here's what that could mean for Canada
As Canadians brace themselves for summer temperatures, forecasters say a weakening El Nino cycle doesn’t mean relief from the heat.
Newfoundland and Labrador latest province to tighten rules on Airbnbs
Newfoundland and Labrador is the latest jurisdiction to bring in stricter rules for short-term rentals, with a coming set of regulations that will force operators to register with the provincial government.