If you find a stranded, injured, entangled, or dead marine mammal please contact the Marine Mammal Stranding Network quickly!

If you can do so safely, you may be asked to provide photos. The Marine Mammal Stranding Network seeks to investigate strandings and improve our understanding of the biology of marine mammals that inhabit our regional waters. Please do not attempt to return the animal to the water. Examinations can help reveal cause(s) of the stranding and additional information to support conservation efforts in North Carolina and around the world.

To report a stranded marine mammal (dead or alive) in Carteret, Pamlico, Craven, Beaufort, Tyrrell, Washington, Bertie, Chowan, Perquimans, Pasquotank, or inland Hyde or inland Dare, or northern Onslow counties call 252-241-5119.

To report a marine mammal stranding in Cape Hatteras National Seashore, call 252-216-6892.

To report a marine mammal stranding north of Cape Hatteras National Seashore, call 252-455-9654.

To report a marine mammal stranding south of Hammocks Beach State Park, call 910-515-7354.

Please have as much of the following information ready as possible:

• Number of animal(s) involved
• Condition of animal(s): alive, dead, injured
• Detailed location of animal(s) including address (street, town, county) or GPS location if possible
• Identification or description of animal(s) including photos if safe and possible
• Identification or description of animal(s) including size, color, dorsal fin, etc.
• Name and telephone number of person reporting so we can return the call
• Date and time of your observation

As participants in the NC Marine Mammal Stranding Network, we respond to reports of dead, dying, and entangled marine mammals (cetaceans, seals, and manatees).