Current:Home > NewsSan Francisco sea lions swarm Pier 39, the most gathered in 15 years: See drone video -TradeStation
San Francisco sea lions swarm Pier 39, the most gathered in 15 years: See drone video
EchoSense View
Date:2025-04-11 01:07:32
Some extra barking and splashing can be heard in San Francisco Bay's Pier 39 as an unusually large swarm of sea lions is gathering at the iconic landmark.
While sea lions regularly hang out at the pier and have been doing so since about 1990, this week the number of the animals has reached around 1,000, causing a ruckus and attracting extra attention from locals and tourists.
It's the most sea lions that have shown up there in 15 years, Sheila Chandor, Harbormaster for Pier 39 Marina, told ABC 7.
On April 29, the pier tweeted that there were around 820 sea lions. But the number has grown since then.
Experts are saying it's a good sign and are happy to see the mammals hanging about in such a large number.
Adam Ratner, the director of conservation engagement for the Marine Mammal Center, told ABC 7 he believes this is a sign that the San Francisco Bay is "doing well."
USA TODAY has reached out to Pier 39 for more information.
Why are so many sea lions gathering?
Because they're chasing after their food.
Chandor told ABC 7 that the sea lions are hunting after a huge school of anchovy that came from from an island that is around 28 miles away from the bay named the Farallon Islands.
"It's kind of that dinner bell that's ringing and all the sea lions are coming in enjoying that feast," Ratner said.
Ratner also told the news outlet that they're able to "get a sense of the Bay, the health of the sea lion population, and their comings and goings."
He adds that he assumes this is happening because the fish they eat, which are usually somewhere else at this time of year, are coming closer to the bay and bringing the sea lions closer, too.
When what the last time this happened?
According to NBC Bay Area, the slippery mammals started visiting the docks after the 1989, and since then they've been a popular attraction.
But, ABC 7 reports that the last time there were this many seals was in 2009, when around 1,700 sea lion hung out at Pier 39.
How to see the San Francisco sea lions
Folks who want to see the critters all snuggled up on the pier but can't get to San Francisco to pay them a visit don't need to worry.
Pier 39 has a livestream on their website where viewers can see the sea lions all day long.
veryGood! (112)
Related
- Head of the Federal Aviation Administration to resign, allowing Trump to pick his successor
- Apply for ICN’s Environmental Reporting Training for Southeast Journalists. It’s Free!
- Kim Zolciak Spotted Without Wedding Ring Amid Kroy Biermann Divorce
- How a deadly fire in Xinjiang prompted protests unseen in China in three decades
- New data highlights 'achievement gap' for students in the US
- Today’s Climate: August 30, 2010
- Thousands of Jobs Riding on Extension of Clean Energy Cash Grant Program
- Georgia's highest court reinstates ban on abortions after 6 weeks
- 'Kraven the Hunter' spoilers! Let's dig into that twisty ending, supervillain reveal
- In California, Study Finds Drilling and Fracking into Freshwater Formations
Ranking
- What do we know about the mysterious drones reported flying over New Jersey?
- Today’s Climate: August 18, 2010
- Thousands of Jobs Riding on Extension of Clean Energy Cash Grant Program
- Today’s Climate: August 20, 2010
- Hackers hit Rhode Island benefits system in major cyberattack. Personal data could be released soon
- Bad Bunny and Kendall Jenner Soak Up the Sun on Beach Vacation With Friends
- Anger toward Gen. Milley may have led Trump to discuss documents, adding to indictment evidence
- When Protest Becomes Sacrament: Grady Sisters Heed a Higher Call
Recommendation
Federal hiring is about to get the Trump treatment
The rules of improv can make you funnier. They can also make you more confident.
NYC Mayor Adams faces backlash for move to involuntarily hospitalize homeless people
Anger toward Gen. Milley may have led Trump to discuss documents, adding to indictment evidence
Sam Taylor
Earn big bucks? Here's how much you might save by moving to Miami.
The Mugler H&M Collection Is Here at Last— & It's a Fashion Revolution
Exxon’s Climate Fraud Trial Nears Its End: What Does the State Have to Prove to Win?