the film
forum
library
tutorial
contact

Two Sea Lions Die After Trap Door
Malfunctions at Bonneville Dam

by Luis Georg
Perfect Science, May 4, 2015

A scapegoated sea lion next to the killing machine on the Columbia River. Photo: Ninette Jones, Sea Lion Defense Brigade Two sea lions died accidently at Bonneville Dam this week after a trap used to remove the aquatic mammals from the dam malfunctioned.

According to Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW), the accident occurred either Tuesday or Wednesday. The door used to close nine sea lions malfunctioned, confining the lions for hours.

According to ODFW spokesman Rick Hargrave, both the lions were likely crushed to death by a 1,500-pound Steller sea lion that was almost three times their size.

Four traps at the dam are operated by the state fish and wildlife department as part of a program to pit off sea lions from preying on endangered salmon and steelhead.

The dam poses an obstacle for spawning fish, making them an easy target for the massive carnivores. During the height of the spring Chinook runs, sea lions hop on and off the trap platform frequently.

Hargrave said that the electromagnetically operated doors are typically left open at night. However, this time the trap door malfunctioned when a wire came loose from the battery that operates one of the traps.

This caused the door to close and locked nine sea lions the animals inside about 3:45 am on Wednesday. According to ODFW's incident report, an exam on the two dead sea lions revealed, 'diffuse hemorrhage, very pale organs, and consolidation of the lungs'.

The report states, "These findings are consistent with asphyxiation and severe internal bleeding, and suggest the sea lions were crushed by one or more of the larger animals".

Hargrave added that his agency hopes to have the door on the trap repaired to resume trapping sea lions again next week. Agency workers will inspect all trap doors and test battery wires and connections. All battery connections will be tightened before the traps are set.

Related Pages:
Death of Sea Lions in Trap Determined to be Accidental by Pete Springer, Oregon Public Broadcasting, 2/6/9
Sea Lions' Death: Humans in the Clear by Lynda Mapes, Seattle Times, 2/6/9
No Evidence People Shut Trap on Dead Sea Lions by Staff, Seattle Times, 2/5/9
Oregon: Heat Killed Sea Lions by William Yardley, New York Times, 5/16/8
Another Presumption: Sea Lions Died of Overheating by Ted Moore, eNews 2.0, 5/15/8
Heat Killed Six Sea Lions at Bonneville Dam by Michael Milstein, The Oregonian, 5/14/8
Heat Killed 6 Sea Lions Trapped at Bonneville Dam by King5 Staff, NWCN, 5/14/8
Heat may have Killed 6 Caged Sea Lions by Associated Press, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 5/14/8
U.S. Sea Lions Died of Overheating, Not Gunshots by Teresa Carson, Reuters, 5/14/8
Who Killed the Sea Lions? by Winston Ross, Newsweek, 5/10/8
6 Sea Lions Found Dead in Traps on Columbia by William McCall, Seattle Times, 5/5/8
Sea Lion Dies During Veterinary Exam by UPI, United Press Intl., 4/30/8


Luis Georg
Two Sea Lions Die After Trap Door Malfunctions at Bonneville Dam
Perfect Science, May 4, 2015

See what you can learn

learn more on topics covered in the film
see the video
read the script
learn the songs
discussion forum
salmon animation