California Sea Lions Attack Humans

[NVMojo]

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -


Tourists flock to Fisherman's Wharf for the seafood and the stunning views of San Francisco Bay, but for many visitors, the real stars are the dozens of playful, whiskered sea lions that lounge by the water's edge, gulping down fish.

Now a series of sea-lion attacks on people in recent months has led experts to warn that the animals are not as cute and cuddly as they appear.

"People should understand these animals are out there not to attack people or humans. But they're out there to survive for themselves," said Jim Oswald, a spokesman for the Marine Mammal Center across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco.

In the most frightening of the recent episodes, a rogue sea lion bit 14 swimmers this month and chased 10 more out of the water at San Francisco's Aquatic Park, a sheltered lagoon near the bay. At least one victim suffered puncture wounds.

Some scientists speculate that the animals' aggressive behavior is being caused by eating fish contaminated by toxic algae, or by a shortage of food off the coast. But wildlife experts say even healthy sea lions are best left alone.

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http://www.lasvegassun.com/sunbin/stories/tech/2006/nov/28/112806844.html

[Poll_Blind]

1. No, they're part of my Sea Lion Army. I haven't paid them for weeks.

Just saying.

PB

[Kagemusha]

2. People should listen to those experts.

Wild animals, especially ones of significant size and power, need to be respected. Lions sleep a lot too. Doesn't mean they can't wake up.

[NVMojo]

4. gee, makes me wonder if the right wing whack jobs will think the sea lions

are putting on an act to push "environmental propaganda" like the Happy Feet Penguins???

[SCRUBDASHRUB]

3. They are so cute! But they should be respected, like everything in nature.

[Porcupine]

5. That's a lady sea lion. The bulls are BIG and MEAN!!!

and they have no problem biting a human who gets too close. They OWN that water and we've taken over their historical haul out spots in the bay.

You should see what they do to the local docks.

[Hand]

6. I hear they stink to high heaven, too.

Go Sea Lions! :toast: :rofl:

[pinniped]

7. Eminent domain, pinniped style.

[lostnotforgotten]

8. As Popeye Would Say - "I Can Stands So Much But I Can't Stands

No More"