Sea lions swarm long-abandoned Seal Rocks

"A bumper crop of 59,000 California sea lions born last year means more animals along the coast. And scientists say El Niño is sending warmer water to the California Current, the band of water that stretches from British Columbia to Baja California, bringing more sea lions to Central and Northern California.

It's not just Seal Rocks that are crowded, but also Pier 39 and Año Nuevo on the San Mateo County coast, said Frances Gulland, a veterinarian and researcher at the Marine Mammal Center.

The animals are moving farther north, perhaps following fish that are seeking colder water."



Sea lions swarm long-abandoned Seal Rocks