Postrelease movement of rehabilitated harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii) pups compared with cohort-matched wild seal pups

摘要: Harbor seal (Phoca vitulina richardii) populations in the inland waters of Washington and British Columbia are at or near carrying capacity. Stranded pups often collected admitted to rehabilitation centers, then released when they reach a weight 22 kg meet variety preestablished health release conditions. While is common practice, it unclear if rehabilitated behave like wild weaned pups. Using satellite transmitters, we compared movement patterns 10 with When released, seals were longer heavier than pups, while had larger mean axillary girth. No clinically different blood parameters detected. On average, harbor traveled nearly twice as far cumulatively, almost three times daily, dispersed over from site seals. Additionally, transmitted long did These suggest that learned behavior during brief 3–4 wk nursing period likely enables move less daily remain closer their weaning