Cove Critters

A catalog of animals and marine life spotted around Murden Cove and nearby shoreline.

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Lion’s Mane Jellyfish

Cyanea capillata
Jellyfish Cold-water drifter Pacific Northwest
Lion's Mane Jellyfish

Quick Facts

Scientific Name Cyanea capillata
Identification Recognized by its reddish, amber, or golden bell and its dense curtain of long, hair-like tentacles that resemble a lion's mane.
Size The bell commonly reaches 12–20 inches across in Pacific Northwest waters, while the tentacles may trail many feet behind the animal.
Where You'll See It Cold coastal waters throughout the Pacific Northwest, occasionally drifting into protected bays, harbors, and coves such as Murden Cove.
Diet Feeds on plankton, small fish, crustaceans, and even other jellyfish, capturing prey with thousands of microscopic stinging cells.
Sting Possesses one of the more powerful jellyfish stings found in Puget Sound. Even detached tentacles can still sting, so it should always be admired from a safe distance.
Murden Cove Observation. The Lion's Mane Jellyfish is among the most spectacular drifters found in Pacific Northwest waters. Its flowing curtain of tentacles can extend far beyond the bell, creating an impressive but delicate display beneath the surface. While beautiful to photograph, it is best viewed without touching, as its tentacles remain capable of stinging even after washing ashore.
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North American River Otter

Lontra canadensis
Mammal Marine & Freshwater Year-round Resident
North American River Otter

Quick Facts

Scientific Name Lontra canadensis
Size 3–4 feet long, including the tail, and typically 10–30 pounds.
Where Found Throughout Puget Sound, including the shorelines, estuaries, streams, and wetlands of Bainbridge Island.
Swimming Powerful swimmers capable of speeds approaching 7 mph and dives to depths of about 60 feet. They can remain underwater for up to eight minutes.
Diet Primarily fish, crabs, shellfish, frogs, and other aquatic animals, with the occasional small mammal or bird.
Interesting Fact River otters spend much of their time on land, but are famous for their playful swimming, sliding, and grooming. Their dense waterproof fur keeps them warm even in Puget Sound's cold waters.
River or Sea? Despite the name, river otters are frequently seen along Bainbridge Island's saltwater shoreline. Unlike sea otters, they swim belly-down and have long, muscular tails.
Murden Cove Observation. River otters are among the most charismatic residents of Murden Cove. They often travel the shoreline in small family groups, surfacing briefly before disappearing beneath the water in search of fish and crabs. Although playful in appearance, they are remarkably agile predators and one of the cove's top mammalian hunters. Watching one weave effortlessly through the kelp beds is always a memorable sight.

Egg-yolk Jelly

Phacellophora camtschatica
Jellyfish Open-water drifter Pacific Northwest waters
Egg-yolk Jelly

Quick facts

ID keys Large translucent bell with a bright yellow center resembling a fried egg or egg yolk. Long tentacles trail behind in clusters.
Size The bell can reach nearly two feet across, with tentacles extending up to twenty feet in length.
Where you'll see it Open coastal waters and deeper parts of Puget Sound, occasionally drifting close to shore during calm conditions.
Movement Slow pulsing motions propel the bell, but currents and tides do most of the work.
Diet Feeds on smaller jellyfish and plankton. Juvenile crabs and fish sometimes shelter among the tentacles for protection.
Sting Tentacles contain stinging cells that can irritate exposed skin. Best admired from a respectful distance.
One of the most spectacular jellyfish found in Pacific Northwest waters. Its bright golden center and long streaming tentacles make it unmistakable. Despite its delicate appearance, it is a formidable predator of other jellyfish and a floating refuge for small marine creatures.

Moon Glow Anemone

Anthopleura artemisia
Sea anemone Tidepool resident Pacific Northwest shoreline
Moon Glow Anemone

Quick facts

ID keysSoft-bodied anemone with a rounded column and a crown of tentacles that can look pale, greenish, lavender, or “glowy” in shallow water.
SizeUsually small to medium-sized, often only a few inches across when fully open.
Where you’ll see itAttached to rocks, pilings, shells, or other hard surfaces in tidepools and protected nearshore areas.
MovementMostly stays attached in one place, but can slowly shift its position over time.
StingUses stinging cells to catch tiny prey; best observed gently without touching or disturbing it.
Look for anemones during lower tides, especially on shaded rocks or protected edges where the water stays calm.

Humpback Whale

Megaptera novaeangliae
Marine mammal Baleen whale Puget Sound visitor
Humpback Whale in Puget Sound Humpback Whale surfacing

Quick facts

ID keysLarge whale with a rounded back, long pectoral fins, and a small dorsal fin often seen after the blow as the whale arches to dive.
SizeAdults can reach roughly 40 to 50 feet long, making them one of the largest animals sometimes seen in Puget Sound.
Where you’ll see itOpen water, channels, and feeding areas where small schooling fish or krill may be present.
MovementOften travels by surfacing, breathing, arching, and diving; tail flukes may be visible on deeper dives.
BehaviorKnown for dramatic surface activity, long migrations, and bubble-net or lunge-feeding behavior in productive waters.
If you see a whale from shore or a boat, give it plenty of distance and avoid changing its path. The best view is usually from a respectful distance.

Harbor Seal

Phoca vitulina
Marine mammal Pinniped Puget Sound resident
Harbor Seal in Murden Cove

Quick facts

ID keysRounded head with no visible ear flaps, large dark eyes, and spotted gray or tan coat that varies by individual.
SizeTypically 5–6 feet long; adults weigh roughly 150–300 pounds.
Where you’ll see itCommon along shorelines, docks, and floating near the surface; often seen “bottling” with just the head above water.
MovementStrong swimmers that dive frequently; can remain underwater for several minutes before resurfacing.
BehaviorCurious and often observed watching quietly from the water; may haul out on rocks or beaches to rest.
Harbor seals are common year-round in Puget Sound. If one approaches, enjoy the moment—but avoid getting too close or altering its behavior.

Moon Jelly

Aurelia aurita
Jellyfish Nearshore drifter Common in Puget Sound
Moon Jelly

Quick facts

ID keysTranslucent “moon” bell with four faint, horseshoe-shaped rings visible in the center.
SizeTypically a few inches across; can appear larger depending on bloom conditions.
Where you’ll see itQuiet coves, docks, protected bays—often near the surface on calm days.
MovementSlow pulsing drift; mostly carried by currents and wind.
StingGenerally mild for humans, but still best admired without handling.