CALIFORNIA SEA LION FOUND DEAD ON BEACH
“Not another one!” was the reaction of Seal Sitters first responders on hearing of a dead sea lion washing ashore on a private beach in West Seattle on Monday (11/25).

Two badly decomposed sea lions had stranded a month earlier (10/12); projectiles were found in the skull of one. The other was also suspected shot, although it couldn’t be accessed for an examination.

Hotline operator Amanda relayed the call about the latest sea lion to First Responder Victoria. She and volunteer John located a fresh-dead, perfectly intact California sea lion carcass at Lowman Beach and noted a finger-sized hole in the animal’s back. SMMSN Co-investigator Lynn immediately called WDFW-MMI and SR3 to coordinate a necropsy and with NOAA’s help, applied for an emergency permit from the EPA to tow and sink the carcass.The permit was granted swiftly, since on-site burial or heavy-equipment removal was deemed impossible.

With the permission from the homeowner, SR3 Director (and SS volunteer) Casey Mclean arrived to secure the sea lion to a tree stump on the beach (photo above). For two nights, neighbors kept an eye on the sea lion, tightening the line to make sure the carcass was not swept away at high tide.

NECROPSY CONFIRMS SEA LION SHOT TO DEATH
On Wednesday morning, examiners arrived at the beach. Lead examiner Dyanna Lambourn of WDFW-MMI assisted by Casey and visiting veterinarian Greg Frankfurter, performed the necropsy, along with some help from Devon and Caldwell. Several Seal Sitters volunteers took photographs and notes and explained circumstances to onlookers during the exam.

A large slug was found lodged in the animal’s ribcage, having torn through the spine and internal organs. This case and all evidence will be turned over to NOAA Office of Law Enforcement for investigation.

THE CHALLENGE OF DISPOSAL AFTER NECROPSY
Despite strong currents and brisk winds, Caldwell used an oared skiff to haul the carcass off the beach and out to a larger boat. There, Casey attached burlap sandbags to a jute rope and sank the carcass according to EPA requirements. Many thanks to the anonymous boat owner who offered his services and neighbors who were so helpful in making sure we could examine the sea lion.

Tags: shot sea lion