Northern Elephant Seals. Northern elephant seals are the largest pinniped species found in the Pacific Northwest, and individuals are seen throughout the Washington and Oregon
Northern Elephant Seals. Northern elephant seals are the largest pinniped species found in the Pacific Northwest, and individuals are seen throughout the Washington and Oregon coasts. Following both their winter breeding season and annual molt cycles, individuals disperse northward along the coasts. It is common for juvenile northern elephant seals to go through a four- to five-week molting cycle in the region. During this process, the animal will be observed with large areas of missing skin. It can be difficult for untrained people to determine the difference between a molting animal and one with actual skin lesions and open wounds. If the animal is exposed to oil during the molting process, cleaning or temporary rehabilitation should be considered. Elephant seals can be washed in thermal- neutral water and soap applied and rubbed on the fur until the oil is visibly removed. Extreme care must be taken while washing molting elephant seals since the molt is replacing several upper layers of the epidermis. Intervention on free swimming elephant seals will not be initiated unless the animal in question is in obvious stress and capture is feasible. The capture and rehabilitation of juveniles is an option in the region, depending on facility availability.
