REPORT a marine mammal stranding.
Call (831) 212-1272. Click for more info.
Report a Stranding (831) 212-1272

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
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

 

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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?