Ringed seal with poor hair growth

Observation from Gay Sheffield:

During 2022 there was only one report in the Bering Strait region of a seal with trouble growing its coat. This animal was reported by the public to UAF Alaska Sea Grant in Nome. This report was immediately shared with NOAA Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network. The young ringed seal involved (STR-228-22) was reported as active, alert, but with patchy fur growth. This ringed seal was hauled out near the Bonanza bridge (eastern Safety Sound) on 18-Oct-2022.

Comment by LEO Network editors:

Please note the recent observation of a harbor seal with patchy hair reported in Port Heiden. We have shared this observation with the Native Village of Port Heiden, Environmental Office, the Environmental Health Department from Norton Sound Health Corporation (NSHC), the Marine Advisory Program agents from UAF Sea Grant, the Marine Mammal Stranding Network at NOAA, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and North Slope Borough Wildlife Department. Mike Brubaker

Comment by Barbara Mahoney:

Thanks for this. NMFS does not consider this a stranded animal, but we do keep track of marine mammals that are unusual, out of habitat (without a response), or have a physical conditions worth monitoring. We would appreciate other observations of seals with patchy fur.

PLEASE NOTE:

If you see a stranded, injured, entangled, or dead marine mammal, call the NOAA Fisheries Alaska Statewide 24-hour Stranding Hotline: (877) 925-7773. See website attached. You can learn more about how you can properly help marine mammals in need.