Summary
A young sea lion named Irving was found wandering on a street in San Francisco's Outer Sunset neighborhood. Police and park rangers captured Irving and handed him over to the Marine Mammal Center for care and assessment.
Key Facts
- Irving is a California sea lion pup found on 48th Avenue and Irving Street in San Francisco.
- Police officers and park rangers used a dog crate to safely contain Irving.
- The Marine Mammal Center took Irving for medical evaluation but hasn't yet determined his health or sex.
- Experts believe Irving is likely healthy and curious since sea lions are getting used to human presence.
- The population of California sea lions has grown since the Marine Mammal Protection Act began in 1972.
- Sea lions can be friendly but may bite if threatened because they have sharp teeth.
- Irving may have left the ocean because the sea lion population is expanding, and they are exploring new areas.
- The hope is that Irving will soon return to the Pacific Ocean.
