Oregon Coast Authorities Monitor Sea Lion with Rubber Band Around Its Neck

Published 02/26/26 at 3:05 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Newport, Oregon) - [UPDATED: MATERIAL PROBABLY FROM A CRABBING TRAP]. Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Stranding Network is standing by after receiving reports of a distressed sea lion on the central Oregon coast. (Courtesy MMSN tipster)

A male California sea lion resting on a dock in Newport appears to have a large rubber band around his neck. He is active, and the entanglement is considered a chronic but not immediately life-threatening injury. NOAA Stranding Network partners are aware of the situation, coordinating with each another, and monitoring his condition.

“Thank you to everyone who has reported the entangled sea lion in Newport to the NOAA Fisheries West Coast Stranding Network - that’s exactly the right thing to do,” the agency said.

Responders note that disentangling sea lions is difficult and risky for both the animal and the people involved. Adult male California sea lions are large, energetic animals that gather closely to rest. While this makes them easy to observe, it also makes it extremely challenging to isolate a single animal for treatment. Approaching them often causes the entire group to flee into the water.

“There have been some successful interventions in the past, and NOAA Stranding Network partners are in active contact with each other evaluating options,” the agency said. “We appreciate your understanding while our network partners work to determine the best path forward for this animal.”

Jim Rice is with the MMSN and based in Newport, and deals with responding to whales, sea lions and other mammals. He said the rubber band is of the type that comes from a crabbing trap.

“It seems likely to me that the animal reached its head into a crab trap and inadvertently became entangled in the material,” he told Oregon Coast Beach Connection.

Full version of photo at top

How the public can help: Report entangled or distressed marine mammals to the NOAA West Coast Region Stranding Hotline at 1-866-767-6114 or online at https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/report. Reduce marine debris in your community at https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/your-region/pacific-northwest.

The photo of the animal was submitted through a stranding report.

The National Marine Fisheries Service told Oregon Coast Beach Connection they have definite guidelines regarding interactions. They remind the public not to approach seals or sea lions on land. Pinnipeds are highly sensitive to disturbance from people and vessels, and even minor activity nearby can cause them to flee. Such disturbance can constitute a violation, so officials urge caution whenever these animals are present.

Guidelines advise people not to intentionally approach seals or sea lions on land any closer than 100 yards. Certain behaviors may indicate disturbance and could put observers at risk of a violation. These include multiple animals raising their heads, some moving toward the water, others entering the water, or increased vocalizing by sea lions.

Violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) can happen if someone is repeatedly engaged in purposefully rushing at the creatures or causing them to react in the ways mentioned.

A boater in Netarts Bay was busted by authorities for doing just that in the mid 2000s.

A california sea lion on the north coast - Seaside Aquarium

In areas like Newport’s Yaquina Bay, close proximity is sometimes unavoidable because sea lions rest on docks directly below walkways. Thus, they luckily remain out of reach but officials say they should not be approached.

California sea lions are not listed as endangered, but Steller sea lions along the Oregon coast are. The Steller, or northern, sea lion (Eumetopias jubatus) is the largest member of the Otariidae family, which includes all sea lions and fur seals.

In 2024, wildlife experts had to euthanize another sea lion with a shark bite that was causing it great pain. Sea Lion on Oregon Coast Dock Humanely Euthanized After Shark Takes Piece Out of It - It had been lanquishing in pain on a Newport dock for awhile

Hotels in Newport - Where to eat - Newport Maps and Virtual Tours

 

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