Marine mammals are protected by federal law. It is illegal to disturb, handle or feed them. Reporting marine mammal strandings to the Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network is the best way to help them. Call (541) 270-6830. Remember that harbor seal pups are intentionally left on the beach while their mothers hunt for food, so they are usually not stranded. But if they appear sick or injured, call the network. Seals and sea lions can bite. Stay away, keep your pets away and do not pour water on the animals. If you spot a dolphin, porpoise or whale, report the stranding immediately. You can provide supportive care by protecting the animal from the sun or harsh winds, digging trenches for pectoral flippers, rinsing sand out of eyes, keeping the area quiet, pouring water on the animal (avoid the blow hole!) or covering the animal with wet towels if it’s very hot. Do not try to feed, drive back into the water or move the animal in any way.