SF sea lions experience increase in ‘disturbance interactions’: report

Hamza Fahmy
·2 min read

(KRON) — The Marine Mammal Center, the world’s largest marine mammal hospital in Sausalito, reports that tourists and locals alike have been getting a little too friendly with our community sea lions, a most recent report by the center states.

The MMC said “disturbance interactions,” which involve crowding around an animal and not giving it appropriate space, can lead to increased stress levels, separate moms from their pups, and disrupt rescue operations.

According to the MMC, wildlife disturbance by people and dogs contributed to over 200 marine mammal rescue cases in 2023, a nearly 30% increase from last year.

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In the San Francisco Bay Area specifically, interactions with sick, older sea lions last fall stood out “in large part” due to a breakout of leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can cause liver failure and death for sea lions.

Not only does interacting with an infected sea lion cause more stress to the animal, but the MMC also warns that interactions with these sea lions “potentially increase the risk for disease transmission between people and animals.”

Photo Courtesy: MMC
Photo Courtesy: MMC
Photo Courtesy: MMC
Photo Courtesy: MMC

In 2023, the MMC recorded nine disturbance cases in the San Francisco Bay Area, topping other areas such as Mendocino and Alameda.

To prevent more cases from happening, the MMC recommends keeping the following tips in mind:

  • Keep Your Distance. Give marine mammals space to rest by enjoying them from a safe distance of at least 150 feet both on local beaches and in the water and keeping dogs on a leash.

  • Call the Experts. If you see a marine mammal in distress, do not intervene. Instead, call The Marine Mammal Center’s hotline at 415-289-SEAL (7325). Our experts will monitor the animal and, if necessary, send trained responders to rescue it safely.

  • Use Your Zoom. It’s OK to take photos and admire the animals, but if an animal reacts to your presence, then you’re too close. “No SEAL-FIES please!”

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