SEAL SITTERS NEEDED. It is time for seal pups to come out of the water for rest and warmth. People are needed to watch over the pups to be sure they are left alone and not harassed.
<b>Photo by Robin Lindsey</b>
The West Seattle "Seal Sitters" are regrouping in anticipation of what could soon be dozens of baby seal "pups" gracing our shores.
The pups "haul out" to get much-needed rest and warmth by sleeping peacefully on the beaches and rocks, often for long hours before mom returns for them. These pups are extremely vulnerable at this time and need our protection to help them survive; only 50 percent of harbor seals survive their first year.
Robin Lindsay, a freelance photographer, has been documenting the babies for the past few years. She urges as many West Seattle residents who can to join the Seal Sitters, a group of dedicated volunteers who come together to guard the seal pups and educate onlookers on their lives and behavior.
"It's thrilling to watch wide-eyed seal pups grow and develop, and you meet incredible people," Lindsay said.
The Seal Sitters will be holding a volunteer training session on Sunday, August 10 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Hiawatha Community Center (2700 California Ave SW, behind Safeway, across the ball field, near West Seattle High School). A second training will be held at the Alki Community Center (5817 SW Stevens St, 2 blocks from Alki Beach) on Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 7 - 9 p.m. Any one with an interest in marine mammals is encouraged to attend. Those who complete a training session are eligible to become Seal Sitters.
The Seal Sitters have created a web site www.sealsitters.org that features photos of seal pups, and provides additional information on seals and Seal Sitters.
