Bloated Sea Lion (Eumetopias jubatus) in Harbor

Observation: February 27th a sick sea lion (Figure 1.) was reported to be floating in the Seldovia Harbor. The sea lion appeared to be bloated and lethargic, having trouble swimming and lifting its head out of the water. The Alaska SeaLife Center and the State Veterinarian (DVM) both agreed from photos and the described symptoms that it had most likely eaten rotten fish which can cause sea lions to become bloated. Apparently this is fairly common and when this happens they often seek sheltered areas such as harbors until they get better. This sea lion was gone the next day and wasn't seen again, alive or dead. We assume he recovered and went on his way.

Update: (2017-03-31) Today while out doing some field work towards the head of Seldovia Bay we spotted this sea lion dead unfortunately. It is on a rocky section of beach and eagles were picking at it (Figure 2.).

Resources:

Alaska SeaLife Center Distressed Mammal Observation Guidelines – Call First! If you see a stranded or injured marine animal DO NOT PICK IT UP! Please call the Stranded Marine Animal Hotline: 1-888-774-SEAL (7325).

Marine Mammals Management Alaska Region – "The following is a guide on how to respond to the stranding of a dead or live marine mammal under the authority of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Alaska (sea otter, walrus, and polar bear). If you have concerns about marine mammals not under the authority of the Fish and Wildlife Service (i.e. whales, seals and sea lions) please contact National Marine Fisheries Service." Source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service