For the past two years, local biologists near Point Reyes National Seashore have been trying to free a young male elephant seal from a tight packing band around his neck. The entangled seal was first noticed about two years ago, and biologists have been trying to safely capture the seal to remove the packing strap. Luckily, the story has a happy ending, and patience on behalf of the park rangers and local biologists has paid off.
It is unknown how and when the subadult elephant seal became entangled but over the last two years the cable has been slowly cutting into his neck and creating a deep wound as he grew. Last week, biologists were finally able to safely capture and sedate the seal, nicknamed “Mr. Elusive,” so that the strap could be removed and the wound could be cleaned. It was no easy task, as a subadult elephant seal can weigh anywhere between 700 and 1000 pounds.
Point Reyes park rangers teamed up with volunteers, veterinarians, and The Marine Mammal Center (TMMC) to capture and sedate the seal when he was spotted near Drake’s Beach. Working quickly, the team was able to sedate and calm the seal while they removed the band and cleaned the wound. Shortly after the wound was cleaned, he returned to the ocean. “Mr. Elusive” is expected to make a full recovery from the wound, according to biologists.
No word on how or where the seal became entangled, but this kind of occurrence happens more frequently than one would hope. Dr. Bill Van Bonn, Director of Veterinary Science at The Marine Mammal Center, said of the incident, “This field disentanglement is the third, in a recent series of northern elephant seals seriously harmed (injured) by negative human interaction, and one that we’ve been able to help. It’s what we all work for, and it’s gratifying when it all goes this smoothly, especially after such a long time tracking this animal.”
Seven years ago, a similar incident happened with a young female elephant seal. She was freed, made a full recovery and every year since has come back to Point Reyes to give birth to her pups. The park rangers, biologists, and veterinarians that freed “Mr. Elusive” expect him to continue returning to the area as he recovers and grows.
Closeup photo: Point Reyes National Seashore
