As a side note, I am not planning on posting every news story about the Rocky encounter. Its being covered all over social media and local news. It is my opinion, that the seals natural habitat is the ocean and beaches, they haul out where ever and whenever they want. We humans need to be more respectful of this critically endangered species. If you got to the beach and there's a seal, not to mention a mother and pup, keep your distance. Do not swim in the near by waters, there are plenty of places to swim. They are wild animals and unpredictable. I am sorry this woman got hurt, but there was plenty of warning and notification that she shouldn't swim there. Rocky was doing what she knew to do protect her pup. I do hope this incident creates a better awareness so humans are smarter and more respectful. How that is done, remains to be seen.
Team R&B started their day at the outfall and spotted a school of akule, and the fishers were all there. Lo and behold there were two seals foraging, the bigger seals was R3CX Nalu and the other was RL20 Kalua who stole some fish as usual. Nalu left the area, but Kalua stayed to fill his belly.
Team R&B went looking at other sites and about an hour later, they happen to see a seal with two women taking selfies. They hurried over and found (again) R3CX Nalu on shore and somewhat agitated. They asked folks to stay back, and then called the hotline. They stayed and educated people and talked story about Rocky and PO8. They tried to find sticks or something to make a zone, but didn't see any.
They met a little girl from Oklahoma who was very interested in Nalu, first time seeing a seal. Then she called out "Look another seal."
Team R&B got folks to move back and let them know there would be some action with the other seal coming in. Just then RG28 Lefty snuck up to R3CX Nalu and bot got into it. To the delight of the visitors they got a free show. There were questions like why are they fighting? Don't they like each other?
RG28 left heading east, but Nalu stayed on shore. After a while people were getting closer and talking loud, Nalu entered the water. Volunteers arrived after the seals left.
Team R&B went back to check RL20 Kalua. He had hauled out on some rocks at a different location.They were also treated to KG54 who came in slowly. She looked like she was going to leave but then hauled out. She is looking good and very pretty seal.
They got word of two seals on shore at another west side beach. They went to check it out and there was RH32 Kaale. He was alone and aware of all the people in the water, he was sleeping lightly. Surf was big and dangerous, touching Kaale every once in a while. Signs were posted, they saw a guy with his large dog, thankfully the dog was on a leash.
Heading over to another west side location they found Lefty upon arrival. He was alone, well hidden in high rocks. While watching him they spotted another seal hauling in fast. There was Nalu R3CX. This was the third time they saw him today all at different locations.
Driving along the coast they happen to see a big rock that turned out to be a seal. (I can relate). There was RL42, so they went to check her out. One of the fishers they met said she had just landed and there was another seal. But RL42 got upset and the other seal left, funny how the fisher knew the other seal was trouble.
Their last find of the day after they continued to look hoping to find the other seal that left. They did find a seal unsure if he was the one with RL42. It was RP30 Puka, her son. He was alone and his applied bleach was showing. He is very green these days. Team R&B was done, tires and baked.
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