June 17, 2023 10:50 a.m.

Beach goers on the Oregon coast are being asked to keep away from seals and sea lions that are resting.

Megan Dugan at the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife said pacific harbor seal pupping season is in full swing. Dugan said a harbor seal mother often leaves her pup alone on shoreline rocks or the beach while she feeds in the ocean. This is an important time for the mother to refuel and later feed her pup, but she is unlikely to rejoin her pup if there is activity nearby.

Dugan said other marine mammals seen on beaches in the summer include California sea lions stopping to rest during their journey south to breed. Elephant seals are also molting now.

All marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is a violation of federal and state laws to harass, touch or feed marine mammals.