A young harbor seal was found late yesterday afternoon on the beach in front of a resort in Homer, AK. The pup was monitored overnight by ASLC stranding network volunteers. No adult seals were found nearby and the pup had sustained some injuries. This morning the pup was transferred to Seward for rehabilitation at ASLC.

The male pup has been given the name Bryce, after Bryce Canyon National Park. Bryce also has recently begun eating fish on his own!

So far staff haven't seen any improvement in Bryce's sight. Despite his disability, Bryce is able to forage for fish in his pool using his whiskers to feel them. He is eating well and is otherwise healthy.

Staff have begun to notice that Bryce reacts to a change in brightness of light!

Happy Thanksgiving! Bryce continues to do well, despite his lack of vision. No notable improvements have been seen. Unfortunately this likely means Bryce won't ever regain his sight.

Since Bryce will be living under the care of humans, ASLC staff has been teaching him some basic behaviors. These behaviors will help him adjust to his new home and reduce stress when he moves. He'll be living at ASLC until NMFS approves a permanent home.

NMFS has found a home for Bryce. He will be moving to a facility in California, where they are already caring for an adult female harbor seal that is also blind. Bryce should be in good company! His anticipated moving date is at the end of the month.