Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network

ALERT! Sick Sea Lions Are Appearing on Oregon Beaches - Learn more

Objectives

  • Document and investigate Oregon marine mammal stranding events
  • Provide continuous surveillance for emerging, infectious, and zoonotic diseases; document human interaction takes
  • Promote the welfare of live stranded animals
    • Mitigate harassment

    • Disentangle marine mammals from debris and fishery gear

    • Provide euthanasia to severely moribund animals

  • Advance public education about marine mammal strandings
    • Answer more than 1,000 stranding-related calls annually

Learn more about OMMSN

 
Sea Lion Webcam

This camera is currently out of service.

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Recent Strandings Map
strandmap

View a Map of Recent Strandings

Please Be Advised
  • It's normal for seals and sea lions to rest on shore.
  • There are no rescue and rehabilitation options for sick or injured seals and sea lions in Oregon. The state policy is to minimize disturbance from people and to let nature take its course.

Learn what to do if you find a marine mammal ashore

 

Leptospirosis in California Sea Lions
Fall 2022

As in past years, we are currently seeing a significant increase in the frequency of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) appearing on Oregon beaches in varying states of health and disease. Many have been affected by Leptospirosis, a contagious bacterial infection of the kidneys. This disease causes animals to appear very lethargic and unable or unwilling to move their hind limbs, and is often accompanied by weight loss and pneumonia. While it is possible for infected animals to recover from this disease if given plenty of opportunity to rest, there is no option to rescue and rehabilitate these animals in Oregon.

Leptospirosis is transmissible to humans and dogs. We strongly advise people to keep themselves and their pets well clear of sea lions on the beach.

It is a violation of federal and state laws to harass, disturb, touch, or feed marine mammals. Please report violations to the Oregon State Police (800) 452-7888.