It’s important to follow the proper steps to ensure your safety and that of the stranded animal.
Always contact local wildlife authorities or rescue organizations for guidance and assistance.
Wildlife strandings can occur for many reasons, many that could have been prevented, and some that the scientific community still does not fully understand. This only highlights the importance of attending and studying these incidents so that we can collect valuable data, even when it's too late for rescue.
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​​​Your stranding reports help us rescue marine wildlife in need of assistance and gather and share this vital information.
01
Keep Your Distance
Stay 50ft or more away from the animal and just observe.
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Is this animal in distress or could these be normal behaviors? Is it alive or dead?
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Take a little time to observe and be ready to relay information to us. Don't panic or be reactive.
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Take note of size, demeanor, any sign of entanglement, injury, or a colored tag.
02
Maintain Your Distance
Under NO circumstance should you touch, move, or relocate the animal.
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If the animal reacts to your presence it means you are already too close and causing undue stress.
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Don't underestimate an unresponsive or seemingly lethargic animal, they can lunge suddenly, bite. Whales and dolphins can seriously injure you with their powerful tail flipper (fluke).
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Marine Mammals can carry diseases that can be spread to humans and our pets through contact and close proximity. For your safety and theirs, please maintain your distance
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Help us keep other people and dogs (on leash) away from the animal by creating a virtual perimeter.
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Lastly, this should go without saying but DO NOT FEED the animal. Doing this can compromise our rescue efforts and the life of the animal.
03
Take Photos
A picture is worth a thousand words!
Short videos are even better!
Get pictures and short cell phone videos of the animal, where it is in relation to its' surroundings, and any injury or debris attached to the animal. Pics and videos that can be sent via text or WhatsApp, or uploaded to our stranding report form, are extremely helpful.
04
Determine Exact Location
All smart phones will allow you to drop a pin to your exact location which can be sent via WhatsApp or text.
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You can also use your compass app and take a screenshot of the GPS coordinates and send that image to us.
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If you can't provide this, do your best to give us clear directions to the location, including mile markers, beach name, landmarks, which direction we need to head on the beach or rocks, and what kind of beach access there is for vehicles or on foot.
05
Report To MMWRC or PROFEPA
Now you're ready to report!
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Call our RESCUE HOTLINE
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Message us by Whatsapp
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Contact PROFEPA (Español only) +52 612 122 0787 ext. 18109
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Submit our STRANDING REPORT FORM
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Email us at rescue@mmwrc.org /rescate@mmwrc.org
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Please avoid reporting on social media apps like Facebook or Instagram.
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06
Stick Around
If you are able to stay at the scene, please do.
You can help direct responders to the animals exact location and be a big help to us by letting other people know we are on the way and that they need to keep their distance from the animal.
Many beaches and coastlines have restricted access and miles of open space with little or no landmarks.
If the spot is hard to find, it may be helpful to drive or walk to the nearest junction or landmark to lead responders to the correct location.
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