If you find a harbor seal pup on the beach, do not approach it closely. Call the Northwest Marine Mammal Stranding Network, at 1-800-526-6733, to report where and when you found the animal, and what condition it is in. You can volunteer to "seal sit," by watching over the pup from nearby, keeping other people and their dogs away, and educating the public.

Kristin Wilkinson, coordinator for the network, will offer training on what people can do - and should do - when they find a seal pup on the beach. Her free presentation will be 2 p.m., Wednesday, August 22, at the Bathhouse. To get more information, call the Marine Mammal Stranding Network, leave a message asking about stranded animals, or visit the NOAA Fisheries Service Website at www.nmfs.noaa.gov/.

- Matthew G. Miller