A female harbor seal found injured in Hood Canal last week is receiving critical care after X-rays revealed she had been shot in the face. The discovery, confirmed by Center Valley Animal Rescue (CVAR) and Sealife Response, Rehabilitation, and Research (SR3), has prompted growing concern among marine rehabilitation experts and regional wildlife advocates.

According to a public statement from CVAR, the organization’s wildlife rehabilitator responded Thursday after the seal was observed extremely underweight, bleeding, and struggling to haul out. The center said the responder used a life vest and net to safely assist the animal, which was exhibiting signs of nasal infection and an eye injury. The organization’s announcement was posted on its official Facebook page at CVAR’s public update.

CVAR staff coordinated with members of the Marine Mammal Stranding Network, who helped secure the seal for transport. Interns then drove the animal to SR3’s facility in Des Moines, where specialized marine mammal veterinary care is provided.

SR3 stated in a public post that initial imaging showed the seal had been shot in the face. The group is monitoring her condition and conducting further diagnostics. SR3’s statement, shared on its official Facebook page, can be viewed at SR3’s update.

Both organizations noted that the animal’s chances of survival remain uncertain and may not be clear for several more days. Harbor seals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, making it illegal to harm or harass them.

While the incident occurred in Hood Canal, marine wildlife from that region is part of the broader ecosystem extending into the Lower Columbia and Southwest Washington watersheds. Wildlife rehabilitators in Cowlitz County say cases like this highlight the vulnerability of marine mammals that occasionally move through the Columbia River system or strand along its tributaries.

Why this matters for Southwest Washington

Although the injured harbor seal was rescued far north of Cowlitz County, federal protections for marine mammals apply statewide. Wildlife officials have long emphasized that intentional harm to marine animals undermines regional ecosystem stability and strains limited rehabilitation resources. Cases involving shootings or deliberate injuries also trigger federal review, as enforcement falls under the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement.

Local residents who encounter a stranded or injured marine mammal are advised—per NOAA guidance—to keep distance and report sightings to the regional Marine Mammal Stranding Network rather than intervene directly. CVAR and SR3 both reiterated the importance of public reporting through official hotlines to ensure safe and lawful response procedures.

The seal remains under care as of February 23, 2026. Further updates will depend on diagnostic results and the animal’s condition in the coming days.

Sources:

MyNorthwest: X-ray reveals harbor seal was shot in the face in Hood Canal

Center Valley Animal Rescue: Public Facebook statement

Sealife Response, Rehabilitation, and Research: Public Facebook statement