Warning: Real Seals Are Not ‘Andre’

“Andre,” the tale of the friendship between a wild seal and a Maine family, is a very enjoyable movie and will probably lead to a greater appreciation of pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) by the youth of America (“ ‘Andre’: A Seal That Wins Approval,” Calendar, Aug. 17).

Although the type of marine mammal portraying Andre does not live off the East Coast--the real Andre was a harbor seal--the movie does show the beauty and intelligence of the California sea lion.

Wild sea lions (and seals) do live off our Southern California coast and this is where a wonderful movie could lead to a tragic interaction between children and animals if accurate information and warnings aren’t given to the public. A child encountering a wild sea lion at the beach might approach it thinking it will act like Andre.

With jaw strength as powerful as a pit bull, a sea lion pup could inflict a painful, vicious bite on anyone trying to pet it. The sea lion’s main defense is its teeth and it will use them on a perceived threat. Parents should make sure that their kids realize that wild animals are not pets and can be dangerous.

The following is some general information on our local pinnipeds.

* The four main species of pinnipeds seen offshore of Southern California are the California sea lion, the Northern elephant seal, the harbor seal and, occasionally, the Northern fur seal.

* They are protected by the National Marine Fisheries Service from human harassment with fines up to $10,000.

* Seemingly abandoned seal pups found on beaches should be left alone and given a wide berth. The mother seal may have left the pup on the beach while it goes out to forage for food. If there are people nearby the mother may abandon the pup.

* Just because a pinniped is up on the beach doesn’t mean it’s sick. It may have come ashore to rest or just to get warm.

* If you do come upon a sick or injured animal on the beach, leave it alone! Do not pour water on the animal. The animal may have come ashore to get warm and pouring water on it may cause hypothermia. Call the local animal control agency and let trained professionals handle the situation.

* And remember: The seals and sea lions of the Southern California coast are wild and do bite.

Enjoy the marine mammals off our coast, but please respect their wildness.