Report a Stranding

Please have the following information ready to report: 

1) Your name and telephone number.      

2) Exact location to the stranding site.  Include town and street address, relationship to cross street or beach access, or other details that would help responders find the site from the road.

3) Condition of animal (alive, dead, or injured)

4) Identification or description of the animal (size, color, etc.)

5) Number of animals involved

6) Date and time of your observations

DO's and DONT's:

• 1. DON'T push the animal back out to sea. Stranded marine mammals may be sick or injured. Returning animals to sea delays examination and treatment and often results in the animal re-stranding in worse condition.

  2. DON'T attempt to swim with it, if the animal returns to the water on its own.

  3. DO put human safety above animal safety. If conditions are dangerous, do not attempt to approach the animal.

  4. DO stay with the animal until rescuers arrive, but please use caution. Marine mammals can be dangerous and/or carry disease. Keep a safe distance from the head and tail. Also, minimize contact with the animal and avoid inhaling the animal's expired air.

  5. DO keep its skin moist and cool by splashing water over its body, if the animal is alive and appendages feel warm. Use wet towels to help keep the skin moist and prevent sunburn.

  6. DON'T cover or obstruct the blowhole if the animal is alive. Try to keep sand and water away from the blowhole.

  7. DO keep crowds away and noise levels down to avoid causing further stress to the animal.

  8. DO report all dead marine mammals, even if they are decomposed.

  9. DO keep dogs/pets away from the live or dead marine mammals.

  10. DON'T collect any parts (tissues, teeth, bones, or gear, etc.) from live or dead animals. It is unlawful and a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. 

 *If the animal is a large whale,  please DO NOT enter the water with the animal, alive or dead! Please stand by on the beach until trained responders arrive with proper safety gear!  The movement of these animals is very unpredictable while rolling around in the surf and humans standing next to the animal can easily be pulled under the animal without warning.