Leave Sleeping Sea Lions & Native Vegetation Alone by Dale

I received a call this morning that a large Sea lion was on the south bank of the river between SLP and the RR trestle. It wasn’t known if the animal was hurt, dead, or just sleeping. Sea lion sightings have become common in the fall and winter months in recent years. They've learned to follow returning salmon upstream and enjoy many meals while paddling around the Sacramento and American rivers. We have not documented a Sea lion on the shore before and this could be a cause for alarm. These huge mammals are carnivores and the apex predator in our area when present. Frequent off-leash dog activities lead to wildlife encounters which endanger all involved. In the case of a Sea lion that threat could be much greater. If a Sea lion was injured it might be unable to feed or return downstream to its ocean home. 

County rangers were alerted using the County Sheriff dispatch (916-875-7275). A ranger quickly responded and we were able to locate the neighbor who reported the Sea lion sighting. Fortunately, the animal appeared healthy and was back in the river. Apparently an off leash dog encountered it while it was entering the river and was quickly chased away when the Sea lion charged back towards shore. Maybe it was protecting a favorite fishing or sunning spot? Several other people wandered by and were able to get good looks at an adult Sea lion calmly swimming just off shore. It looked healthy and well fed.

Video clip of sleeping Sea lion on shore, near SLP by Anna

California Sea lion wikipedia link

“Who woke me up?”

Sea lion “Dog paddling”?

The end…?

Double-crested cormorants keeping look-out

​Sea lion activity seems increased this year and a recent sighting upstream at Paradise Beach several weeks ago indicates they may be continuing to expand their territory here. As with all wildlife, the best way to enjoy them is from a safe distance and avoid altering their activities. Off-leash dogs and off-pavement bicyclists regularly encounter wildlife in sensitive habitats along the American River Parkway unfortunately. Illegal vehicle activity is an ongoing problem causing impacts to sensitive riparian habitat and soils as was painfully visible today. A 311 report was filed for the off-road damage discovered today.

Bank failure due to off-trail activities causing native tree loss and erosion

Four wheel vehicle damage in native plant restoration area

Riparian habitat and bank erosion from 4 wheel vehicle damage

American River Flood Control District activity near 4 wheel vehicle damage site