ODFW warns central coast beachgoers to stay away from sick sea lions

NEWPORT – Public calls reporting sick or dead sea lions on the coast typically increase in the early fall as male California sea lions leave California breeding grounds and move north along the West Coast in search of food.

Each fall, some California sea lions die of leptospirosis on Oregon beaches, according to a news release from the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.

Leptospirosis is a naturally occurring bacteria that can sicken sea lions, dogs, people, other wildlife, and livestock. The disease can spread when an animal or person is in contact with urine or other bodily fluids of an infected or dead sea lion.

ODFW biologists are urging beachgoers to leash their dogs and keep them at least 150 feet away from live or dead sea lions.

The Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network receives daily reports of sick or dead sea lions, particularly on the central and northern Oregon coasts. Many of the sick animals reported are malnourished and very lethargic which is consistent with leptospirosis symptoms. One sea lion was necropsied and tested positive for the disease, the ODFW said in its news release.

Leptospirosis outbreaks occur sporadically in marine mammals and can result in increased stranding and mortalities among sea lions. While it is too early to know if there will be a large outbreak this fall, ODFW said it, Oregon State Parks, and the Marine Mammal Stranding Network are monitoring the situation. Overall, the California sea lion population is healthy and increasing.

Sick or injured seals, sea lions, whales or dolphins can be reported to the Oregon State Police TIP line at 1-800-452-7888.

All marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and it is a violation to disturb, harass, feed, or touch any marine mammal. Marine mammals on the beach are often just resting or are sick and should be left alone.

For more information on wildlife diseases, contact ODFW’s wildlife health hotline at 1-866-968-2600.