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Home > Report a Stranding
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Report a Stranding
If you find a stranded, injured or dead marine mammal in the Cape Cod Region please call The Cape Cod Stranding Network Hotline at the:
Stranding Hotline: (508) 743-9548
This number is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The Cape Cod Stranding Network, a project of IFAW, responds to stranded seals, whales, dolphins, and porpoises on Cape Cod and south to the Rhode Island border.
What to do if you find a stranded marine mammal:
Do not touch, feed or handle the animal.
These actions are illegal and could be dangerous to both you and the animal.
Maintain a safe distance from the animal.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act states that by-standers, and their pets, should stay at least 150 feet away. Marine mammals are wild animals – close approach and excessive noise can cause great stress. Stranded animals may have infectious diseases that could be passed to you or your pet. Make sure pets are under control and kept away from the stranded animal.
Observe the animal’s activity from a distance.
For every animal note the size, color and attitude of the animal. Also, note if there are any obvious wounds. If the animal is a whale, dolphin or porpoise it should be reported to the CCSN Hotline immediately.
Please Note: It is natural for seals to come ashore to rest for extended periods of time. For more information on seal behavior see the CCSN Seal FAQ page. If the seal is injured or if its behavior seems abnormal contact the hotline.
Take note of the animal’s location.
An accurate description of the area, with directions and landmarks will help us respond more quickly.
If you find a stranded animal outside of the CCSN response area please call your local stranding network or police department. Be sure to give your name and a phone number where you can be reached, as well as the stranding information requested above.
All marine animals are protected under the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is illegal for unauthorized individuals to touch, disturb, feed or otherwise harass these animals.
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To report a dolphin, whale or seal in distress call the
24-hr Stranding Hotline: 508-743-9548
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