The front-page photo of Mike Willoughby (March 17) along with the headline “A Seal Whisperer?” leads to the impression that the professor has a special gift in interacting with willing seals. In fact, most marine mammal researchers inform us that harbor seals are much better served by avoiding human contact. Especially during pupping season, mothers may become aggressive in the water if approached by swimmers and divers. Wouldn’t you be protective given the same circumstances? Unfortunately, our seals in and around Casa Beach (Children’s Pool) have been shorted the “shared use” both in the water and on the beach because of the frequency of unaware visitors coming in too close for that camera shot and from locals who place themselves in the pool and near the water’s edge for the self serving purpose of preventing mothers and pups from using the beach for the many lessons the mothers must teach the young during their short birth to weaning stage, usually anywhere from four to seven weeks. In San Diego, the pupping season extends from December to May. The Village News went beyond good judgement in printing this story at the critical pupping season when we should all stay behind the rope (at least) and out of their ocean home to allow the marine animals the necessary space needed for this very brief but critical time. Perhaps it is time to consider making the pool into a marine sanctuary to ensure the seals remain here and don’t abandon this special beach. — Ellen Shively is with the group La Jolla Friends of the Seals.