A California sea lion hangs out on City Dock in Port Townsend. The mammal and two of its friends have been seen over the past week. (Jeannie McMacken/ Peninsula Daily News)

A California sea lion hangs out on City Dock in Port Townsend. The mammal and two of its friends have been seen over the past week. (Jeannie McMacken/ Peninsula Daily News)

Sea lions take over Port Townsend city dock

PORT TOWNSEND — The Port Townsend City Dock has become a local hangout for a raft of California sea lions visiting the area.

First spotted last week, the group of up to three large mammals has been reported in the water on and around City Dock at Pope Marine Park.

During Monday’s Memorial Day ceremony at the dock, it was reported that as soon as a rendition of taps began, a sea lion started barking.

The dock is managed by the Port of Port Townsend which has erected a sandwich board alerting the public to the presence of the mammals.

Betsy Carlson, citizen science coordinator for the Port Townsend Marine Science Center — who oversees the Marine Mammal Stranding Network locally — said this is the time of year when California sea lions begin to appear in the region.

“This is normal behavior for them, as it is mating season,” she said. “It’s normal for them to haul out and crawl up on docks or buoys.”

They eat fish, and are often seen swimming with their flippers out. Seen at a certain angle, some can look like orcas.

Carlson said they have an amazing ability to climb.

“They do a lot with their front flippers. They bend and climb onto things, far better than seals,” she said.

Carlson confirmed one of the animals at city dock is branded.

“The brand indicates the animal is from a colony from the Columbia River. It has been marked ‘X 101.’ Most live between southeast Alaska and Mexico.”

She said sea lions can carry disease.

“It’s a good idea to give them space. The most common disease, bacterial leptospirosis, can be transmitted to pets and humans. If the animal seems sick, give it a wide berth,” she suggested.

Carlson said sea lions will attack dogs if they get too close and added that it is important to keep pets away from them.

California sea lion males can reach up to 8-feet-long and weigh up to 800 pounds. Females are typically 5-feet-long and weigh about 250 pounds.

“California sea lions are the ones we hear barking,” she said. “We’ve been hearing them at Fort Worden in the area near the channel marker. It’s a common time of year to start seeing them. Males are trying to establish their territories.”

According to the Port Townsend Marine Science Center Mammal Stranding Network, all marine mammals are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advises people to stay 100 yards away, if possible, and refrain from touching, handling or feeding marine mammals.

Stranded marine mammals in or around Port Townsend can be reported at 360-385-5582, Ext. 103.

The marine science center has agreement with NOAA to be the West Coast regional responders for East Jefferson County, from the east side of the Dungeness Spit in Sequim south and east to Brinnon.

“Aren’t we lucky that we have them in our area so that we can see them?” Carlson remarked.

Carlson also said that harbor seal pupping season is June through August around Port Townsend. In Hood Canal, the season is a bit later. She advised all to be aware of harbor seal pups left on the beach.

“Mom won’t come back if people are in sight,” she warned.

________

Jefferson County Editor/Reporter Jeannie McMacken can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jmcmacken@peninsuladsilynews.com.

More in News

Two people were displaced after a house fire in the 4700 block of West Valley Road in Chimacum on Thursday. No injuries were reported. (East Jefferson Fire Rescue)
Two displaced after Chimacum house fire

One person evacuated safely along with two pets from a… Continue reading

A Port Angeles city worker places a tree topper on the city’s Christmas tree, located at the Conrad Dyar Memorial Fountain at the intersection of Laurel and First streets. A holiday street party is scheduled to take place in downtown Port Angeles from noon to 7 p.m. Nov. 30 with the tree lighting scheduled for about 5 p.m. (Emma Maple/Peninsula Daily News)
Top of the town

A Port Angeles city worker places a tree topper on the city’s… Continue reading

Hospital board passes budget

OMC projecting a $2.9 million deficit

Lighthouse keeper Mel Carter next to the original 1879 Fresnel lens in the lamp room at the Point Wilson Lighthouse. (Elijah Sussman/Peninsula Daily News)
Donations to aid pediatrics clinic, workforce

Recipients thank donors at hospital commissioners’ meeting

Whitefeather Way intersection closed at Highway 101

Construction crews have closed the intersection of Whitefeather Way and… Continue reading

EYE ON THE PENINSULA: Commissioners to consider levies, budgets

Meetings across the North Olympic Peninsula

Highway 112 partially reopens to single-lane traffic

Maintenance crews have reopened state Highway 112 between Sekiu… Continue reading

Laken Folsom, a Winter Ice Village employee, tries to remove leaves that blew in from this week’s wind storm before they freeze into the surface of the rink on Thursday. The Winter Ice Village, operated by the Port Angeles Chamber of Commerce in the 100 block of West Front Street, opens today and runs through Jan. 5. Hours are from noon to 9 p.m. daily. New this year is camera showing the current ice village conditions at www.skatecam.org. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Ice village opens in Port Angeles

Laken Folsom, a Winter Ice Village employee, tries to remove leaves that… Continue reading

Fort PDA receiver protecting assets

Principal: New revenue streams needed

Ella Biss, 4, sits next to her adoptive mother, Alexis Biss, as they wait in Clallam County Family Court on Thursday for the commencement of the ceremony that will formalize the adoption of Ella and her 9-year-old brother John. (Emma Maple/Peninsula Daily News)
Adoption ceremony highlights need for Peninsula foster families

State department says there’s a lack of foster homes for older children, babies

Legislature to decide fate of miscalculation

Peninsula College may have to repay $339K