Traumatic injuries to elephant seals (fights, fishing nets)
Elephant seals, whether from the south (Mirounga leonina) or the north (Mirounga angustirostris), live in large colonies on beaches where males compete violently for access to females. These clashes, as well as the increasing presence of ab...
What is it?
Elephant seals, whether from the south (Mirounga leonina) or the north (Mirounga angustirostris), live in large colonies on beaches where males compete violently for access to females. These clashes, as well as the increasing presence of abandoned fishing gear at sea, cause numerous traumatic injuries. \n\nThese injuries range from simple scratches to deep lacerations, sometimes with fractures or progressive strangulation by a net or rope that tightens as the animal grows. \n\nThis sheet describes the mechanisms, the signs to spot and what to do when faced with an injured elephant seal, a subject particularly followed by marine conservation teams.
Key point
Entanglement in untreated netting can lead to progressive strangulation and death of the animal some time after the initial incident.
Commonly observed signs
These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.
Related signs — each one links to its page:
The signs depend on the type and location of the injury. \n\nAfter a fight between males, we most often observe open wounds on the neck, chest or trunk (proboscis), sometimes deep, with bleeding, swelling and sometimes an unpleasant odor if an infection sets in. \n\nIf entangled in a net or fishing line, the lesion is often circular, furrow-shaped which gradually sinks into the skin and fat as the animal grows. This furrow can end up cutting deep tissues or even vital structures depending on its location (neck, fins). \n\nAn injured animal may appear despondent, stay away from the group, eat less, limp or have difficulty moving on the beach, and have a wound that does not heal or ooze. In severe cases, pale mucous membranes may indicate significant blood loss or generalized infection.
When to consult without delay
This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.
Causes and risk factors
Two main origins are recognized. \n\nFights between males mainly occur during the breeding season, when the dominants defend their harem against rivals. The mouth defenses and the considerable weight of the animals (several hundred kilos to several tons) make these confrontations potentially very traumatic. \n\nFishing-related injuries result from the presence of marine debris: abandoned nets (“ghost nets”), ropes, plastic rings or fishing lines in which the animal becomes trapped, often while still young. The bond gradually tightens as the animal grows, creating a slow and painful strangulation.
Dominant adult males are most at risk of fighting injuries, due to intense competition for females. \n\nCurious juveniles and young animals are more likely to become entangled in floating marine debris. \n\nThe proximity of intensive fishing areas, the presence of fishing equipment abandoned at sea and the presence of dense breeding sites increase the overall risk of traumatic accidents.
Diagnosis and care
Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.
The diagnosis is primarily based on direct observation of the animal by trained professionals (wildlife veterinarians, marine rescue teams). \n\nThe examination assesses the depth of the wound, its extent, the presence of a foreign body (net, rope) and the general condition of the animal (behavior, ability to move, condition of the mucous membranes). \n\nIn some cases, remote sedation is necessary to allow a close and safe examination, as the elephant seal is a massive and potentially dangerous animal to approach.
Treatment
Support is reserved for teams specializing in marine wildlife, never for an individual. \n\nIt may include removal of the mesh or tangled tie, cleaning and disinfection of the wound, surgical care if necessary, and antibiotic treatment to prevent or treat infection. \n\nAn anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving treatment can be combined for the comfort of the animal during convalescence. \n\nCertain animals are monitored remotely after intervention, without additional capture, to verify healing in the field.
Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.
Prevention
Prevention is mainly based on collective rather than individual measures. \n\nReducing fishing waste at sea, recovering lost nets and raising fishermen's awareness limits the risk of entanglement. \n\nMonitoring breeding colonies by conservation teams makes it possible to quickly identify injured or entangled animals and intervene before the situation worsens. \n\nThere is no individual prevention possible against combat injuries, which are part of the natural behavior of the species.
Possible complications
An untreated wound can become infected and develop into a generalized infection (sepsis), which can be fatal. \n\nIn the event of an entanglement, the tether can gradually sever deep tissues, blood vessels or vital structures, leading to delayed mortality sometimes months after the first entanglement. \n\nCombat wounds can also become secondarily infected, become complicated by deep abscesses, or permanently limit the mobility of the animal if it can no longer eat normally.
When to see a veterinarian
Observation of an elephant seal with a visible wound, a tight furrow around the neck or fin, or fishing gear attached to its body.\nAn animal isolated from the group, abnormally slaughtered or immobile on the beach.\nAnimal limping, unable to move normally or refusing to enter the water.\nPresence of blood, pus or an unusual odor coming from a wound.\nIn all cases, immediately contact the authorities or conservation organizations local navy rather than intervening yourself.
Prognosis
The prognosis strongly depends on the severity and precocity of treatment. \n\nA superficial battle wound generally heals well without after-effects, the species' thick layer of subcutaneous fat providing some protection. \n\nOn the other hand, an old entanglement that has already damaged the deep tissues has a more guarded prognosis, even after removal of the link, due to the lesions already present. \n\nRapid intervention significantly improves the chances of full recovery.
Frequently asked questions
Can you help an injured elephant seal yourself on a beach?
No. You should never approach or attempt to remove a net yourself. It is a massive, unpredictable and potentially dangerous animal. Local authorities or a specialist marine conservation organization should be contacted.
Are fighting injuries between males serious?
They range from simple scratches to deep lacerations. Most heal well thanks to the animal's thick layer of protective fat, but some become infected and require monitoring.
How can a fishing net hurt an animal that hasn't been in it for a long time?
If the tie remains around the neck or a fin, it does not always come off and gradually tightens as the animal grows, creating slow strangulation that can worsen over months.
Are these injuries common?
Combat injuries are common during the breeding season in dominant males. Fishing debris-related injuries are a growing problem linked to marine pollution, particularly monitored by conservation programs.
References
WOAH — Organisation mondiale de la santé animale (ex-OIE)
Content reviewed by the TunisieVet editorial team · Updated 18 August 2026
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