8 days ago
SLIDESHOW: See the animal's injuries
SACRAMENTO, CA - An injured sea lion seen Wednesday along the shores of the Sacramento River returned to the waters near the Tower Bridge Thursday, but didn't give possible rescuers much of an opportunity to help him treat his wounds.
The 300 to 500 pound mammal was spotted once again in river water near Old Sacramento around 12:30 p.m. Thursday, a day after his injured face and unusual behavior attracted the attention of visitors underneath the Joe's Crab Shack restaurant on Front Street.
Unlike Wednesday's appearance however, the wounded animal didn't make any move toward shore Thursday, choosing instead to swim in the area around the Tower Bridge.
Staffers from the Marine Mammal Center in Sausalito were aboard a Sacramento Police boat Thursday, hoping for an opportunity to evaluate the sea lion's injuries and offer aid if needed.
By Thursday evening, crews were forced to call off the search. Experts expected to forward pictures and video taken of the animal to a marine biologist to get a better idea about the possible extent of the sea lion's injuries.
The sea lion drew crowds early Wednesday and appeared to be in pain as he laid on a riverside dock with a significant puncture wound clearly visible near his right eye.
However, by the time Marine Mammal experts arrived, the sea lion had slipped back into the water and disappeared.
News10/KXTV
