The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network welcomed about 70 volunteers to the team during a training session in early September.

“The volunteers play a critical role in us being able to promptly respond to marine mammals in distress, as well as helping us respond to the dead, stranded marine mammals,” ALMMSN’s coordinator Mackenzie Russell said.

The volunteers are often the first on the scene when a stranding is called into the hotline. They learned how to handle an animal stranded on the beach, the proper position of the mammal, and what to do while waiting for the stranding team to arrive on the scene.

“We’re really excited to have this new group of volunteers join our team,” ALMMSN’s veterinarian Dr. Alissa Deming added.

The volunteers will also assist with outreach events to help raise awareness about marine mammals in Alabama.

If you see a sick, injured, or deceased marine mammal in Alabama, please call 1-877-WHALE-HELP right away. Do not ever push a stranded animal back into the water.

If you have questions about volunteering for the MMRP, email almmsn@disl.org.