Sea Lion Pup Wanders the Streets of San Francisco

[Judi Lynn]

4. I've seen a lot of these stories: Starving sea lion pups inundate Southern California rescue centers

US | Tue Mar 17, 2015 3:17pm EDT
Related: U.S., Environment

Starving sea lion pups inundate Southern California rescue centers

San Diego | By Marty Graham


(Reuters) - Animal rescue centers in California are being inundated with stranded, starving sea lion pups, raising the possibility that the facilities could soon be overwhelmed, the federal agency coordinating the rescue said.

The precise cause is not clear, but scientists believe the sea lions are suffering from a scarcity of natural prey that forces nursing mothers to venture farther out to sea for food, leaving their young behind for longer periods.

"As facilities reach capacity, it will likely not be possible to rescue and rehabilitate every impacted animal," said Justin Viezbecke, stranding coordinator for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration.

This year, a record 1,450 starving pups have been rescued in Southern California.

Mary Beth Steen, director of development for the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach, said the center has taken in 285 animals – 10 times last year's final tally of 28 and double the count for 2013.

More:
http://www.reuters.com/article/2015/03/17/us-usa-california-sea-lions-iduskbn0md17220150317