You are here

Home » After Two Years, Packing Strap Removed From Neck of Elephant Seal At Point Reyes National Seashore

After Two Years, Packing Strap Removed From Neck of Elephant Seal At Point Reyes National Seashore

Share

Published Date

January 18, 2012

Biologists at Point Reyes National Seashore recently were able to capture a young male elephant seal that had been struggling with a packing strap wrapped around its neck for at least two years and remove the constricting band. NPS photos.

An elephant seal that for two years struggled with a packing strap entangled around its neck recently was freed from the strangulating band at Point Reyes National Seashore, and biologists expect the animal to fully recover.

The subadult male, estimated to weigh somewhere between 700 and 1,000 pounds, was first spotted with the band around its neck back in 2009, according to John A. Dell'Osso, the seashore's chief of Interpretation and Resource Education.

Since that first spotting in 2009 biologists have been trying to capture the elephant seal so they could remove the strap, which bit into the animal's neck as it grew.

The elephant seal, thought to be about 5 years old, was spotted on the seashore's coastline, where hundreds of elephant seals arrive during the winter for breeding. 

"In order to remove the thick white packing strap that was wrapped tightly around his neck, the seal was first approached and sedated, then had his head covered with a towel to calm him down, then veterinarian staff from The Marine Mammal Center located the strap, buried deeply in a wound on the seal's neck and removed it," Chief Dell'Osso said. "Finally, the area around the neck was cleaned and the animal quickly returned to the ocean."

Back in 2004 a similar situation was encountered with a young female elephant seal, according to the chief. In that case, biologists were able to quickly remove the strap. The elephant seal continues to return to Point Reyes each year and give birth to pups, he added.

There are currently more than 700 elephant seals on the beaches at Point Reyes National Seashore, and approximately 220 pups have already been born. Last year, more than 600 pups were born on Point Reyes' beaches.

Story Categories:

Support National Parks Traveler

Your support for the National Parks Traveler comes at a time when news organizations are finding it hard, if not impossible, to stay in business. Traveler's work is vital. For nearly two decades we've provided essential coverage of national parks and protected areas. With the Trump administration’s determination to downsize the federal government, and Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s approach to public lands focused on energy exploration, it’s clear the Traveler will have much to cover in the months and years ahead. We know of no other news organization that provides such broad coverage of national parks and protected areas on a daily basis. Your support is greatly appreciated.

 

EIN: 26-2378789

Support Essential Coverage of Essential Places

A copy of National Parks Traveler's financial statements may be obtained by sending a stamped, self-addressed envelope to: National Parks Traveler, P.O. Box 980452, Park City, Utah 84098. National Parks Traveler was formed in the state of Utah for the purpose of informing and educating about national parks and protected areas.

Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:

  • Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR NATIONAL PARKS TRAVELER, (REGISTRATION NO. CH 51659), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
  • Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of National Parks Traveler is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
  • Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
  • North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888-830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
  • Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of National Parks Traveler may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
  • Virginia: Financial statements are available from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
  • Washington: National Parks Traveler is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.

Comments

Submitted by Lee Dalton on January 18, 2012 - 7:50am.

How do they think the strap got around the seal's neck in the first place?


Submitted by admin on January 18, 2012 - 10:30am.

The trouble with spell check?  It allows "way" to pass as "weigh".


Submitted by Kurt Repanshek on January 18, 2012 - 10:56am.

Nice catch, Dottie. If only we had spell-check!


Submitted by admin on January 18, 2012 - 2:12pm.

A good bit of litter in the oceans.  The Tsunami in Japan sent a world of it (cadavers also) in our direction.  


Submitted by Barky on January 18, 2012 - 7:40pm.

Gads, that's horrible! Nice save, though.


Submitted by Bruce on January 19, 2012 - 7:30pm.

Well done!


Add comment

CAPTCHA

This question is for testing whether or not you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.

Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Your urgent support helps the National Parks Traveler increase awareness of the wonders and issues confronting national parks and protected areas.

Support Our Mission

INN Member

The easiest way to explore RV-friendly National Park campgrounds.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

Here’s the definitive guide to National Park System campgrounds where RVers can park their rigs.

Our app is packed with RVing- specific details on more than 250 campgrounds in more than 70 national parks.

You’ll also find stories about RVing in the parks, tips helpful if you’ve just recently become an RVer, and useful planning suggestions.

The Essential RVing Guide to the National Parks

FREE for iPhones and Android phones.