Re: [Paddlewise] sea lions

Paul Murtaugh <murtaugh_at_stat.orst.edu> wrote:

>>Has anyone had scary experiences with sea lions?  On the
Oregon coast recently, I've had a few cases of California sea
lions rearing up in the water and barking or 'croaking' at
me, even as I paddled politely out of their way.  It's spooky
to have such a large animal mad at you, and I'm wondering
if they're actually dangerous, or if it's just a bluff.  I
seem to have more of these encounters when I'm paddling alone,
vs.  in a group.>>

I see that behavior any time I paddle past the fish processing plants in
Astoria.  Seems like the bulls establish a territory and try to hold it against
other sea lions ... and paddlers, also.  I have had them come up right next to
me several times, and was bumped once.  Mind you, none of these events were
confrontations I provoked.  I was just paddling by and inadvertently crossed
some boundary.  Seems like expectable behavior, and so I avoid their spots.  I
don't want a tussle with them, either.

I have never heard of a sea lion attacking a kayak.  Seems like I recall
someone whose kayak was attacked by a walrus, but the details are vague.  Don't
remember when or where.

Dave Kruger
Astoria, OR

***************************************************************************
PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed
here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire
responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author.
Submissions:     PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net
Subscriptions:   PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net
Website:         http://www.paddlewise.net/
***************************************************************************