Current:Home > reviewsSan Francisco sea lions swarm Pier 39, the most gathered in 15 years: See drone video -LegacyCapital
San Francisco sea lions swarm Pier 39, the most gathered in 15 years: See drone video
View
Date:2025-04-14 17:42:37
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! (72435)
Related
- Opinion: Gianni Infantino, FIFA sell souls and 2034 World Cup for Saudi Arabia's billions
- Extreme heat at Colorado airshow sickens about 100 people with 10 hospitalized, officials say
- US official says Mideast mediators are preparing for implementation of cease-fire deal in advance
- Florida doc not wearing hearing aid couldn't hear colonoscopy patient screaming: complaint
- Charges: D'Vontaye Mitchell died after being held down for about 9 minutes
- Kate Spade Outlet Sparkles with Up to 73% off (Plus an Extra 15%) – $57 Bags, $33 Wristlets & More
- 17 Target Home Essentials for an It Girl Fall—Including a Limited Edition Stanley Cup in Trendy Fall Hues
- Ionescu, Stewart, Jones lead Liberty over Aces 79-67, becoming first team to clinch playoff berth
- Elon Musk's skyrocketing net worth: He's the first person with over $400 billion
- General Hospital's Cameron Mathison Shares Insight Into Next Chapter After Breakup With Wife Vanessa
Ranking
- US auto safety agency seeks information from Tesla on fatal Cybertruck crash and fire in Texas
- Save Big at Banana Republic Factory With $12 Tanks, $25 Shorts & $35 Dresses, Plus up to 60% off Sitewide
- Phoenix police launch website detailing incidents included in scathing DOJ report
- Chris Pratt Honors His and Anna Faris' Wonderful Son Jack in 12th Birthday Tribute
- Can Bill Belichick turn North Carolina into a winner? At 72, he's chasing one last high
- Landon Donovan named San Diego Wave FC interim coach
- Taylor Swift fan captures video of film crew following her onstage at London Eras Tour
- White woman convicted of manslaughter in fatal shooting of Black neighbor
Recommendation
NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
A hunter’s graveyard shift: grabbing pythons in the Everglades
24 recent NFL first-round picks running out of chances heading into 2024 season
Lawsuit: Kansas school employee locked teen with Down syndrome in closet, storage cage
Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
2.9 billion records, including Social Security numbers, stolen in data hack: What to know
A Complete Guide to the It Ends With Us Drama and Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni Feud Rumors
‘Shoot me up with a big one': A timeline of the last days of Matthew Perry