Do stranding networks have the authority to respond to “out of habitat” animals?
Occasionally, marine mammals are found out of their normal range of habitat. An “out of habitat” animal can be on that is found in an area that is too warm or cold for that particular species, an offshore species of animal in coastal waters, or a strictly marine animal in a freshwater area. For example, dolphins that live only in the ocean may swim up a freshwater river for extended periods of time. An animal in this situation may not be in immediate need of assistance, but after a while can suffer negative effects of its unnatural surroundings, such as not being able to locate appropriate prey items. In many cases, these out of habitat animals will return to known areas of distribution on their own accord, with no ill effects and no need for intervention. However, the presence of “unusual” animals in a particular location may draw public attention, and as a result, stranding networks participants are often called to the scene to respond.
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