A. Stranded or not stranded? 1 . Generally, a stranded animal is
any live marine animal that is out of its element, or outside of
its survival envelope (Geraci and Lounsbury, 1993). Examples of
stranded animals include a dolphin lying on the beach, a seal
that is out of its range, or an icebound whale. 2. Healthy
seals, sea lions, walruses, and otters naturally haul out onto
land at times to rest, mate, pup, or molt (Geraci and Lounsbury,
1993). This behavior is not considered stranding. A healthy pup,
which may appear stranded because it is thin, feeble, and crying
plaintively, may have a mother nearby (Geraci and Lounsbury,
1993). A stranded animal is a live marine animal that is out of
its element due to an illness, injury, or other condition
threatening its survival. B. Masking symptoms A wild animal with
an illness or injury generally will try to mask its symptoms for
as long as possible to avoid predators. C. When animals strand
In general, a marine animal may strand if it has a severe,
debilitating ill