The Pier 39 area in San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf district has recently become a hotspot for sea lion activity, with groups of sea lions lounging, playing, and creating a lively atmosphere reminiscent of the 1980s. This surge in sea lion presence is a temporary phenomenon resulting from a high volume of anchovies in the bay, attracting a larger-than-usual number of these marine mammals to the area for feeding and relaxation.
Harbourmaster Sheila Chandor, in charge of overseeing the bustling sea lion population at Pier 39, noted that the current count of over 1,000 sea lions far surpasses the typical numbers seen on a daily basis. The sea lions, known for their boisterous behavior and social gatherings, have been drawing crowds of sea lion enthusiasts and curious onlookers to witness the spectacle of these animals congregating in such large numbers. Although the surge in sea lions has been a delight for many visitors and spectators, it is also putting a strain on the designated lounging areas, with officials acknowledging that the current population is pushing the limits of the structures designed to accommodate them.