Alaska SeaLife Center admits first fur seal patient in six years

Seward, Alaska — The Alaska SeaLife Center (ASLC) admitted a northern fur seal pup to the Wildlife Response Program on Jan. 31, 2023. Fur seals are relatively uncommon wildlife response patients, and have not been cared for at the ASLC since 2017.

The female pup, estimated to be around six months old, was seen swimming erratically near the shore in Sitka, Alaska. Her abnormal behavior worried local residents, who reported the pup to the ASLC 24-hour stranding hotline (1888-774-7325). Sitka is an unusual location to see northern fur seals this time of year, which raised concerns for her survival by ASLC staff. After receiving approval from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the animal was transported to the Center for treatment.

The main concerns found by the ASLC veterinary team upon the initial admit exam were dehydration, malnourishment and signs of an unknown infection found in her bloodwork. Despite these concerns, she was observed to be active and alert when handled. The team found no evidence of severe physical trauma; however, noted that the pup seems smaller than average for her age. Staff are currently providing initial treatments and examining the patient further to understand more details about her condition.

The Alaska SeaLife Center’s Wildlife Response Program can only provide care for stranded and injured marine animals with help from federal grants, corporate sponsors and individual donors. Those interested are encouraged to contribute to the care of rehabilitating marine animals here: www.alaskasealife.org/donate. The Center acknowledges the ongoing generous support of its Wildlife Response Program from companies like ConocoPhillips, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, Matson, PetZoo, GCI and a number of individual donors, funds and foundations such as The Stanley J. Williams Fund, Mesara Family Foundation and The NC Giving Fund.

Call first! Before approaching an injured or stranded marine animal in Alaska, call the 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-SEAL(7325).

ASLC Opened in 1998, the Alaska SeaLife Center operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit research institution and public aquarium in Seward, Alaska. The Center generates and shares scientific knowledge to promote understanding and stewardship of Alaska’s marine ecosystems. The ASLC is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. To learn more, visit www.alaskasealife.org.

Jan. 13

-Dispatch received a report of a lost wallet.

-Dispatch assisted with getting a nurse hotline in touch with the Angoon Police Department.

-Police and EMS responded to a medical emergency.

Jan. 14

-Police and EMS responded to a medical emergency.

Jan. 17

-EMS responded to a medical emergency.

-Police conducted a welfare check.

-Dispatch contacted the on duty provider.

Jan. 18

-EMS assisted with a public service call.

-Dispatch received a report of a possible abandoned vehicle.

Jan. 20

-Klondike Highway closed due to an avalanche near the Yukon/B.C. border.

-Klondike Highway reopened.

-Klondike Highway closed due to heavy accumulating snow.

Jan. 21

-Dispatch contacted the on duty provider.

Police & Fire Blotter

Submitted by Skagway Police Department

-Dispatch contacted the on duty provider.

-Klondike Highway reopened.

-Dispatch received a report of a rockslide near the Pet Cemetery trail.

Jan. 22

-Dispatch attempted to track down a motorist whose vehicle keys were left with the person they dropped off at the ferry terminal. The search was unsuccessful.

-Police responded to a noise complaint in a residential area. The noise makers were contacted and agreed to quiet down.

Jan. 25

-Klondike Highway closed.

-Dispatch contacted DOT to remove large rocks on the Dyea Road near Mile 5.

Jan. 26

-Klondike Highway reopened.

-Dispatch received a report of a dog at large on the airport runway.

-Fire personnel responded to an automated fire alarm – it was determined to be false since maintenance personnel were working on the system.

Jan. 28

-Dispatch assisted with contacting the on duty provider.

-EMS responded to a medical emergency.

Jan. 30

-Police conducted a welfare check.

Feb. 2

-Fire personnel responded to an automated fire alarm at a downtown location.

-Police responded to a report of a vehicle striking the exterior wall near the entrance of a downtown business.

-Fire personnel responded to an automated fire alarm at a downtown location.

Feb. 3

-Fire personnel responded to a report of an audible alarm at a downtown location.

Feb. 4

-EMS responded to a medical emergency.

-Dispatch assisted with contacting the on duty provider.

Feb. 5

-Police conducted a welfare check.

-Fire personnel responded to a report of an audible alarm at a downtown location.

-Fire personnel responded to an automated EWS alarm at a downtown location.

Skagway Worship Directory

Assembly of God Church

8th & State • 907-983-2350

Sun. Worship....................11 a.m.

Wed. Bible Devotions & Prayer 7 p.m. Email skagwayag@outlook.com

First Presbyterian Church 5th & Main • 983-2260

Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday School 9:45 a.m.

Women’s Prayer 10 a.m Tues. Bible Study time varies. Please inquire.

Online access available to all events.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints 11th & State • 983-2518

Sun. Sacrament Meeting...10 a.m.

Sun. School/Primary ...11:10 a.m. Relief Society/Priesthood..12 p.m.

St. Therese Catholic Church 9th & State • 983-2271

Sun. Mass.......................5 p.m.

Mass Mon. & Tues.....12:10 p.m. (when a priest is available)

RECREATION CTR SCHED

Skagway Recreation Center • 12th & Main • 983-2679

Weather Watch

Sun. 907-983-2255 For after-hours emergencies, dial 911.

Border stations: 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. Call each station for specifics. Ferry Terminal Hours M-F 7:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.