Followup: Sea lion found dead in West Seattle was shot twice

| West Seattle news | Wildlife

You’ve probably heard reports about more sea lions shot to death in this region, since we first reported Seal Sitters‘ announcement that the sea lion found at Lincoln Park was a shooting victim. (Photo is from 1/23, taken by WSB reader RyAnn as the sea lion drew onlookers.) Tonight, Seal Sitters’ Robin Lindsey has new information: “Radiographs show that the West Seattle sea lion was also shot in the head in addition to the left lung lobe.” Robin says that although different numbers are in circulation, as of tonight, there are EIGHT confirmed deaths of sea lions and seals from bullet wounds. She’s publishing the newest, most accurate information to the group’s “Blubberblog” site, with “the latest information from our stranding experts and biologist … (We) will keep everyone updated as information is released to the public.” See the newest update here. (P.S. As Seal Sitters mentions in their update, a $10,000 reward to solve the killings is being offered by the Sea Shepherd Society.)

DTK February 2, 2012 (9:07 pm)

May Karma find you in a cold, deep pool of brackish water.

Lorelee February 2, 2012 (10:37 pm)

Terrible

visitor February 3, 2012 (1:03 am)

Why would someone do this?

Happy new ye February 3, 2012 (8:29 am)

What the hell is wrong with people? I believe the Universe has a way of funding and taking care of such people. Until then we will all be watching. You think you got away but your actions reverberate for all of time.

buddy February 3, 2012 (11:03 am)

http://www.reznetnews.org/article/panel-seeks-reduce-threat-sea-lions-fish

John February 3, 2012 (11:26 am)

Why would someone do this?
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Most likely because their livelihood is being threatened.
Commercial fishermen have long battled with seals and sea lions which can do enormous damage to their catch.
Gill netters sometimes pull in their nets to see one large bite taken out of the midsection of each salmon, destroying its value. The seals seeing so much available food, only take the choicest part.
In the old days, these fishermen used firecrackers, M-80s were called “seal bombs,” as well as rifles. The M-80 firecrackers were long ago outlawed, but it is still common for commercial and subsistence fishermen to carry rifles.

sad for seals February 3, 2012 (1:05 pm)

Are these seals being shot on the beach or out in the water and drifting onto the beach? Because haven’t there been quite a few in different areas around Seattle recently?

visitor February 3, 2012 (10:29 pm)

OK, got it. thanks!

Mike February 4, 2012 (5:10 pm)

More news about legalized killing of sea lions. http://www.bendbulletin.com/article/20110515/NEWS0107/105150374/
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I don’t know if it’s only at Bonneville Dam, but there are some legal shootings, limited… but legal.
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Sad, maybe, but then again they do a crapload of harm to fish runs. I even caught a Steelhead a couple years back that had it’s dorsal fin eaten off already. It put up less of a fight than a cutthroat trout. Put him back and let it try to finish it’s run.

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