Rescuers on Hood Canal say a badly injured female harbor seal found near Quilcene was hanging on by a thread when they reached her, emaciated and bleeding from the muzzle. The animal was rushed to SeaLife Response, Rehabilitation & Research (SR3) in Des Moines, where veterinarians report that X-rays revealed a projectile lodged near her skull and warn her injuries could be fatal.
Rescue and treatment
The Marine Mammal Stranding Network alerted local volunteers and Center Valley Animal Rescue, who tracked down the struggling seal, secured her, and arranged transport to a specialized care facility, according to KIRO 7. At SR3, clinicians performed radiographs and started intensive supportive care, placing the seal in isolation so staff can closely monitor her and plan additional diagnostics.
Intake notes recorded that the harbor seal was significantly underweight and had nasal discharge along with an injured eye. Staff said those findings align with a prolonged period of stress and trauma, rather than a quick or recent injury.
X-rays show projectile, prognosis uncertain
Radiographs taken at SR3 showed a projectile embedded in the seal's muzzle and what the hospital described as extensive damage, as reported by FOX 13 Seattle. Casey McLean, SR3's executive director and a veterinary nurse, told the station there is "definitely a strong chance she may not make it," while Center Valley Animal Rescue founder Sarah Penhallegon condemned the shooting as "just cruel."
McLean also told FOX 13 she has testified in Olympia this legislative session against bills that would expand removal or culling of pinnipeds, and said she worries that heated rhetoric around those policies could be encouraging illegal shootings. Responders noted this appears to be the second harbor seal found shot in roughly the same area in recent months, a pattern that has local stranding teams on alert.
A troubling local pattern
SR3 operates what it describes as the Pacific Northwest's only dedicated marine mammal hospital, built to handle rising numbers of strandings and serious human-caused injuries, and the organization says demand for emergency response has been climbing, according to its website. Volunteers and rescuers worry that tensions over fisheries and political pressure on wildlife policy can spill over into violence against animals, putting additional strain on small, mostly volunteer crews when wounded marine mammals arrive needing urgent help.
The hospital and its partners continue to urge the public not to approach or handle injured or stranded marine animals. Instead, they ask people to immediately contact trained responders so the animals can receive proper triage and care.
Legal implications
All marine mammals in U.S. waters are protected by federal law, and intentional shooting, harassment, or killing can lead to enforcement actions under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, according to NOAA Fisheries. When a stranding looks suspicious, investigations typically involve local stranding networks working with state wildlife officers and federal agencies, which can refer cases to law enforcement for possible prosecution.
How to help
Anyone who encounters a stranded or injured marine mammal is urged to stay back, keep pets away, and call the trained responders listed on SR3's website rather than trying to intervene. Center Valley Animal Rescue shares volunteer opportunities and local contact details for the Quilcene area, and both organizations accept donations and updates online to support patient care.
Responders say quick reporting and professional handling give animals the strongest shot at recovery while helping keep people and pets safe along the shoreline.
