NPR: A Seafood Bounty Lures Sea Lions to S.F.'s PIER 39 in Numbers Not Seen in 15 Years
- Behavior
- Natural history
Published by NPR: May 4, 2024
The echoes of barking and blubber-slapping have grown louder in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf.
An unusually large herd of sea lions hauled out of the bay waters to hang out on the docks at Pier 39, a popular tourist destination. It's the most sea lions the area has seen in 15 years, according to pier officials.
Over 1,000 sea lions were counted this week, Pier 39 harbormaster Sheila Chandor told multiple media outlets.
A bounty of anchovies and herring in the bay waters has drawn the pinnipeds to feast ahead of mating season, which starts next month, Chandor told SF Gate.
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Adam Ratner
California Sea Lion