The Marine Mammal Center received multiple reports of a northern elephant seal pup on two Santa Cruz beaches earlier this month. These sightings were the first in Santa Cruz since an outbreak of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, began in a colony of elephant seals at Año Nuevo State Beach. The center may have been the same animal spotted on both beaches, but could not confirm. So far, 27 northern elephant seals, one southern sea otter and two California sea lions have tested positive for the virus. The public is advised to keep their pets a safe distance from marine mammals and birds, which can also carry the disease. The Marine Mammall Center is not currently responding to Pacific harbor seals or northern elephant bears. All animals it rescues will be tested for diseases including bird flu.