Some extra barking and splashing can be heard in San Francisco Bay’s Pier 39 as an unusually large swarm of sea lions is gathering at the iconic landmark.
While sea lions regularly hang out at the pier and have been doing so since about 1990, this week the number of the animals has reached around 1,000, causing a ruckus and attracting extra attention from locals and tourists.
It’s the most sea lions that have shown up there in 15 years, Sheila Chandor, Harbormaster for Pier 39 Marina, told ABC 7 .
On April 29, the pier tweeted that there were around 820 sea lions. But the number has grown since then.
Experts are saying it’s a good sign and are happy to see the mammals hanging about in such a large number.
Adam Ratner, the director of conservation engagement for the Marine Mammal Center, told ABC 7 he believes this is a sign that the San Francisco Bay is “doing well.”
USA TODAY has reached out to Pier 39 for more information.
Why are so many sea lions gathering?
Because they’re chasing after their food.