REPORT a Stranding
Have you found a dead or live marine mammal on the beach?
For DEAD marine mammals in Santa Cruz County: (831) 212-1272
For DEAD marine mammals in other counties:
In San Mateo County: (415) 379-5381
In Monterey County: (831) 771-4422
In San Mateo County: (415) 379-5381
In Monterey County: (831) 771-4422
For LIVE marine mammals in Santa Cruz County & greater SF Bay Area:
In San Jose, San Mateo and Marin Counties: (415) 289-SEAL (7325)
In Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties: (831) 633-6298
In San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay Counties: (805) 771-8300
In San Jose, San Mateo and Marin Counties: (415) 289-SEAL (7325)
In Monterey and Santa Cruz Counties: (831) 633-6298
In San Luis Obispo and Morro Bay Counties: (805) 771-8300


What information do I need to report a marine mammal stranding?
When you call the stranding hotline the following information will facilitate a timely and efficient response. Even if you don't have most of the following information, we want to hear from you!
WHERE:
- Local or official name of beach
- Landmarks (life guard tower numbers)
- Nearest beach access
- Where on the beach relative to the water
WHEN:
- When did you see the animal?
WHAT:
Consider the following questions when you observe an animal:
- How big is the animal? (compare to beach chair, surfboard, your own height).
- What color is the animal?
- Is it dark or light?
- Does it have spots?
- Is it all one color or multiple colors?
- Does the animal appear to have fur or does it have smooth skin?
FRESHNESS:
If the animal is dead, the freshness of the carcass is important in determining what kind of response is necessary. You can help assess freshness by looking for the following:
- Are the eyes intact?
- Is the fur or skin completely intact?
- Does the carcass appear inflated like a balloon?
- Does it smell?
- Do you see birds near the carcass?