{"id":534625,"date":"2026-03-20T11:10:22","date_gmt":"2026-03-20T11:10:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/534625\/"},"modified":"2026-03-20T11:10:22","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T11:10:22","slug":"harbor-seal-shot-in-the-face-shows-signs-of-recovery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/534625\/","title":{"rendered":"Harbor seal shot in the face shows signs of recovery"},"content":{"rendered":"

A harbor seal shot in the face near Hood Canal is showing signs of strength<\/a> \u2014 swimming, eating, and gaining weight.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

Injured harbor seal recovering at rehab center<\/p>\n

The injured seal was taken to Sealife Response, Rehabilitation and Research (SR3) in Des Moines after she was rescued in late February. At the time<\/a>, she was \u201cextremely emaciated\u201d and bleeding from the muzzle.<\/p>\n

Initial X\u2011rays revealed the seal had been shot in the face, with a projectile lodged in her muzzle. Upon arrival, veterinarians noted she was dangerously underweight, had a nasal infection, and showed signs of prolonged trauma, prompting concerns about her survival.<\/p>\n

SR3 said staff performed a CT scan last week to assess the extent of her injuries. The scan confirmed significant trauma to her nose, but \u201cdid not find injuries that appear immediately life-threatening.\u201d<\/p>\n

The facility said bone injuries take time to heal, and her condition will continue to be closely monitored as her recovery progresses.<\/p>\n

The shooting has been reported to state and federal wildlife authorities, who continue to investigate.<\/p>\n

Read more of Aaron Granillo\u2019s stories here<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Follow @https:\/\/twitter.com\/aaronkirofm<\/a><\/p>\n

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