Sea lion on B.C. highway gets police escort back to safety
A California sea lion caused quite a stir on the Pacific Rim Highway near Tofino, B.C., on Vancouver Island recently. The sea lion, estimated to weigh around 150 kilograms, was spotted by a driver during the early morning hours, prompting a call to the authorities. Ucluelet RCMP Const. Mark Macdonnell was dispatched to the scene and was surprised to find the sea lion on the highway, far from its natural habitat.
With the help of a Parks Canada warden and two highway maintenance workers, Macdonnell was able to safely guide the sea lion 500 meters down the road to a lower section where it could re-enter Kennedy Lake and swim away to safety. The sea lion had likely traveled a long distance from the ocean up the Kennedy River, into Staghorn Creek, and eventually into Kennedy Lake before ending up on the highway.
Paul Cottrell, DFO marine mammal co-ordinator, praised the quick thinking of the driver who reported the sea lion and emphasized the importance of contacting the B.C. Marine Animal Response Network if anyone comes across an injured or distressed marine animal. Cottrell explained that marine animals like seals and sea lions can sometimes get disoriented and end up far from their usual habitats, as was the case with the sea lion on the Pacific Rim Highway.
The successful rescue of the sea lion highlights the importance of prompt action when encountering wildlife in unexpected places. Without the intervention of the authorities and concerned citizens, the sea lion could have been in serious danger on the busy highway. Thankfully, the sea lion is now back in the safety of the lake and hopefully on its way back to the ocean where it belongs.
This incident serves as a reminder of the need to protect and respect the natural habitats of marine animals and the importance of reporting any sightings of distressed wildlife. By working together and acting swiftly, we can ensure the safety and well-being of all creatures that call our oceans and coastlines home.
