A mother seal will leave her pup on a beach or rocks near the water while she hunts for food. A seal pup alone is not always an orphan. Healthy seal pups look plump with no skin rolls, and seem alert and aware.
Keep dogs on leash and away from the seal pup. Also, discourage people from approaching - although baby seals are very cute, this is very stressful for them as we appear as predators.
If the seal pup is injured, looks skinny or lethargic and sleepy, contact Marine Mammal Rescue Centre (MMR) at 1-604-258-7325 or call our Animal Helpline for advice at 1-855-622-7722.
Find out more about what to do if you see a baby seal or download our brochure "What to do if you find a baby seal" (PDF). Read more about rescuing wild animals.