Seal appears off park.
What
may have been a seal pup appeared about 10 feet off the mid-park late afternoon on August 15, 2008. It may have been
ill, lost or perhaps just checking out the dogs and people. A small crowd of observers formed. Everyone kept their
dogs in check and no dog made any effort to get into the water.
The seal appeared near
the location where many people swim their dogs and where we have been discussing prohibiting swimming to protect the shoreline.
It was very difficult to call for help. We couldn't easily get the Marine Mammal Center's number and,
frankly, the Humane Society was not helpful, they actually said they would only "try" to reach the Marine Mammal
Center. We called 911 and the CHP person responded wonderfully, getting the information and passing it on to the Marine
Mammal Center in Sausalito.
The MMC called right back and said that they had been to the dog park
earlier and were unable to capture it, but that they would continue monitoring it and would come by the park tomorrow.
The seal disappeared suddenly and was not seen again.
Over the years, many seals
have been seen swimming near the dog park, but they usually have remained farther from the shore and seemed healthy.
If a seal is seen again, and your dog is a swimmer, you should hook-up immediately. Seals are very strong and can be
VERY dangerous.
Although unlikely to be needed again, several park users have added the MMC to
their mobil phones as a precaution.
