Sea lions are back in Sacramento. Here’s why and where you can see them along the river

If you’re headed out to the river, be prepared. You might catch a glimpse of large big-bellied and puffed-chested animals sunbathing.

Sea lions, also known as “eared seals,” have made their way to Sacramento shores. The mammals typically live in shallow waters in the eastern North Pacific Ocean and hunt for food offshore on the coast, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association Fisheries.

So what are they doing in Sacramento?

Hungry hungry sea lions

Sea lions are traversing California to look for food.

Those that are making a stop in Sacramento are typically adult males coming from the Channel Islands, off the coast of Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, according to NOAA. From winter to spring, the mammals will make their way through the West Coast all the way up to Alaska to look for food, like salmon, before mating season in the summer.

Sea lions have been spotted in Sacramento for a while now with residents going on social media to share their sightings.

Where can I see a sea lion in Sacramento?

Most recently, people have reported seeing the “river puppies” on the Old Sacramento Riverfront.

Sea lions have been reported on both the Sacramento and American rivers, with multiple sightings in Old Sacramento and River Park. You might be able to see them swimming in the waters or perched up with their buddies on beaches, docks, buoys, and jetties, according to NOAA.

Can I touch them?

No.

Sea lions are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits anyone from hunting harassing, taking or killing any marine mammal or trying to do so. This act helps to prevent the population from declining.

Not only is it illegal to feed and harass sea lions, but it can also interrupt their natural behaviors, according to NOAA.

“Seals and sea lions come ashore to rest and nurse their young, often in busy beach areas,” NOAA stated on its website. “In some areas, mothers leave their pups on the beach while they feed out at sea. Close encounters with people can be harmful.”

To watch sea lions safely, you should give them space and keep pets away and on a leash.

This story was originally published May 19, 2023 at 10:20 AM.