Northern and southern elephant seals face welfare challenges from entanglement, human disturbance during haul-outs, and strandings requiring rescue and rehabilitation.
Elephant seal welfare at coastal haul-out sites depends heavily on human behavior. Approaching too closely triggers flight responses that separate mothers from pups and can cause stampedes with fatal consequences. Entanglement in fishing line and packing bands around the neck causes progressive constriction as the animal grows, eventually causing severe wounds and death without rescue. Rehabilitation programs that rescue, treat, and release entangled or malnourished seals have saved thousands of animals. Maintaining respectful viewing distances, removing marine debris, and supporting marine mammal rescue organizations are the most impactful actions for coastal visitors.