Officials warn Sitka to leave sea lions alone

SITKA - Marine mammal officials in Sitka are warning residents not to harass Steller sea lions.

Witnesses told the Sitka Harbor Department that a sea lion had hauled out on a city harbor float last week and that residents hazed the animal back into the water, then set off a seal bomb, a small explosive device used to frighten mammals away from fishing grounds.

Harbor Master Stan Eliason said that's not only unwise but illegal. Sea lions are a threatened species.

Eliason said the sea lion was probably looking for food.

The harbor master said sea lions may not be fed or disturbed.