October 2021  A late-season run of coho salmon is attracting some enormous predators.  At low tide, Steller’s sea lions leave the sea to follow the salmon into fresh water at the mouth of the shallow river.  Some of the sea lions pick a spot to wait and watch.  Some strike a bear-like pose as they watch for a salmon to swim past and then make a surprisingly quick lunge and grab the salmon.  Others inch upstream with their heads underwater ready to grab any salmon within range of powerful bearlike jaws.  And their appetite is Ridiculous!

Stellar’s sea lion with spawning coho salmon.