The Wildlife Response Program at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward last week admitted its first northern fur seal patient in six years, after a female pup was found swimming erratically near Sitka.

The pup was reported by Sitka residents using the center’s 24-hour stranding hotline, according to a Friday release from the center. The release says that Sitka is an unusual place to see a northern fur seal during this time of year — cause for concern for staff.

The animal was recovered and transported to the center in Seward to be treated.

According to the release, the pup was found to be dehydrated, malnourished and suffering from an “unknown infection found in her bloodwork.” The pup was active and alert, observed to be small for her age. Treatment is ongoing and the infection has yet to be identified.

For more information about the Alaska SeaLife Center and the Wildlife Response Program, visit alaskasealife.org. To report an injured or stranded marine animal in Alaska, call the 24-hour Stranded Marine Animal Hotline at 1-888-774-7325.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

Photo courtesy Kaiti Grant/Alaska SeaLife Center The northern fur seal rescued by Alaska SeaLife Center staff is seen on Jan. 31, 2023, at the Alaska SeaLife Center in Seward, Alaska.