This tiny harbor seal pup was found napping on the beach right out front on Thanksgiving Day. What a little cutie! He/she was about 18" (0.5 meter) long, and quite healthy, but tired. Often their mothers will park tiny pups such as this on a beach while they go out in pursuit of food, only to return later. This telephoto image was snapped from some distance away. It is very important to keep one's distance when encountering one of these little "strandlings." They are easily alarmed and will flee in panic, possibly becoming separated from their mother.