A Seal pup with a hook stuck in its mouth was rescued in Santa Barbara

An elephant seal pup suffering from a fishing hook stuck in its mouth is now being cared for by wildlife experts after being rescued this past week in Santa Barbara County.

The pup received treatment at the Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute, which posted photos on March 13 of a rubber band sticking out of the corner of its mouth. According to the agency, this sea creature probably mistook it for a hook.

The rescuers said they would take out the hook, line and lure and give the puppy a thorough examination.

“We will also give it the nutrients it needs to grow in weight before returning it to the wild,” explained the center on social media.

The organization did not provide a clear timeline for when the puppy will return, but noted that gaining weight is a key factor in getting the animal back under feeding and treatment programs.

The sea was not the only animal involved in fishing.

The agency posted another video on March 15 showing a sea lion pup in Ventura County that also had a hook in the lower right part of its mouth caught in some poles on the pole. Fortunately, local rescuers were able to help the puppy free itself, the video said.

Bycatch is one of the biggest threats to marine life, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Animals can starve to death or drown in fishing gear, and such things can cause physical trauma and infection that require immediate help, the wildlife agency said.

Visitors to beaches in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties who see animals in distress can call the center’s rescue hotline at (805) 567-1505.

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