Media Release December 20, 2025 Loose Seal Found Near Highway On December 20, 2025, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputies located a seal which had wandered up to Highway 101, near Milepost 146, and was moving on the shoulder of the roadway. Out of concern for the safety of the animal and the individuals on the highway, Deputies swiftly took action and utilized a rope as a lead to prevent the seal from entering the highway. With the assistance of community members, a staff member from the Oregon Coast Aquarium was promptly notified and responded to the scene to secure our flippered friend. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Oregon State Police and the Oregon Coast Aquarium for their assistance in safely returning the seal to its home. We wish our new Pinniped pal all the best on his journey! Traveling on the roads and highways of Lincoln County offer many wonderful sightseeing opportunities. However, we must also be mindful that this area is the natural habitat of several species of wildlife. It's important to be alert and aware of wildlife while commuting. You may come across deer, elk, birds...and occasionally a seal. In the unfortunate event that someone is unable to avoid a collision with wildlife, the following steps are recommended: - If you are on a State Highway, in a State Park, on the beaches, or if the animal is protected under Oregon Revised Statute (such as anything hunted or fished in Lincoln County), please contact the Oregon State Police at 541-265-5353 or dial *677 from a mobile phone. - If you’re in the cities of Lincoln City, Newport, or Toledo; Contact the city police department: --Lincoln City Police Department Dispatch (non-emergency) – 541-994-3636 --Newport Police Department Dispatch (non-emergency – 541-574-5807 --Toledo Police Department Dispatch (non-emergency) – 541-336-5555 -If you’re in any other part of Lincoln County or if the animal involved is a pet or livestock; Contact the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office at 541-265-0777Photos from Lincoln County Sheriff's Office - Oregon's post