A seal has been returned to the Pacific Ocean after police caught suspects reportedly trying to make away with it in Samoa.
Back in April, a witness spotted a couple take a seal pup from Humboldt Bay and put it in an aquarium in their vehicle, according to the Eureka Police Department.
The witness provided a detailed description of suspects and vehicle, which allowed police to quickly respond and rescue the seal pup. The EPD said the seal pup was found inside a fish tank in the backseat of a couple's car near the Samoa Bridge.
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the North Coast Marine Mammal Center responded to take over the investigation and care for the animal.
The Northcoast Marine Mammal Center in Crescent City raised the pup until he was old enough and eating fish on his own.
That time has come, and thanks to the efforts of the NCMMC, the seal, named Kevin, was released back into the wild, officials said Saturday.
The CDFW said many wildlife species leave their young unattended in safe areas, sometime hidden, while the mother leaves to feed. With seals, this commonly means on a mudflat in Humboldt Bay.
Many people assume the newborn seal is abandoned, but that is rarely the case. The best thing to do is keep your distance and leave the animal alone.
"The mother will return," the CDFW said. "If people think the animal is in fact abandoned or hurt, they should not approach or touch it and call the Northcoast Marine Mammal Center at 707-951-4722."
Marine mammals are protected federally by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is unlawful to feed or harass wild marine mammals including dolphins, porpoises, whales, seals and sea lions.
If prosecuted, the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement could enforce civil penalties up to $11,000, up to one year in prison, plus criminal fines, and forfeiture of the vessel involved.
The public is instructed by NOAA to keep at least 50 yards (150 feet) away from seals. State laws also protect marine mammals, and violators can be charged criminally with a misdemeanor.