A juvenile elephant seal was spotted on Owen Beach in Point Defiance Park yesterday.

"This morning a molting elephant seal was spotted on Owen Beach. As they molt, seals may beach for as long as 2-4 weeks; it is completely natural for this species to remain on land for extended periods of time throughout the process," Metro Parks representatives wrote Thursday. "Metro Parks and the Department of Wildlife are monitoring this activity for the seal’s and public’s safety."

It is usual for elephant seals to use Washington beachs during the molting process, and they are especially vulnerable during this time. 

Metro Parks reminds park-goers not to make contact with any wildlife, and to make sure that dogs are leashed for the safety of both the seal and the dogs while using Owen Beach.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has more information about the seals here.

Heads up - Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium remains closed today.

The closure is to let staff continue clean up efforts and get downed tree limbs cleared from last week's storm.

Check online for updates on an opening date.

We spotted these geese beneath the SR 509 bridge during an evening run last week. 

We must have missed the baby stage, because there are at least three families' worth of adolescent geese roaming the waterfront. They must be used to foot traffic because they didn't flutter a wing as we ran through.

We would have been positively charmed, if not for the telltale signs of geese we had to dodge on the sidewalk.