Guadalupe Fur Seals (Arctocephalus townsendi)

Guadalupe Fur Seals are rarely seen North of Central California; they are primarily seen at Guadalupe Island and Channel Islands. Historically (1500-1700 AD) these animals were seen as far North as NW Washington Coast (Etnier, 2000). These animals started showing up in the Pacific Northwest again around 2005, in 2007 NOAA Fisheries had an unusual mortality event (UME) where 19 animals stranded. Now several times a year these animals appear on our outer coast.

To report a dead, injured or stranded marine mammal, please call: 1-800-853-1964