Large Steller Sea Lion Appears on Pier 39 Docks, Second Sighting This Month
A large Steller sea lion has appeared on the Pier 39 docks in San Francisco, marking the second such appearance this month.
San Francisco Oakland San Jose, CA, September 23, 2026 —
A large Steller sea lion was recently observed on the docks at Pier 39 in San Francisco. This sighting marks the second instance of a Steller sea lion appearing at the popular waterfront location within the current month.
Steller sea lions are the largest of the eared seals. Adult males can weigh up to 2,500 pounds and measure up to 10 feet long. They are typically found in cooler waters of the North Pacific Ocean, ranging from Japan to Alaska and down the North American coast to California. While sightings have become more common in certain areas of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, their appearance on piers in San Francisco is less frequent.
The specific details regarding the circumstances of the Steller sea lion’s presence on the Pier 39 docks, such as the exact date of the sighting or its behavior, were not provided in the available summary. Information about whether this particular animal is a known individual or part of a larger migration pattern was also not detailed.
Pier 39 is well-known for its resident population of California sea lions, which have occupied K-Dock since 1990. These California sea lions, which are smaller than Steller sea lions, are a consistent attraction for visitors. The arrival of a larger Steller sea lion is an unusual event that draws attention to the diverse marine wildlife that can visit the San Francisco Bay area.
The frequency of large Steller sea lion visits to this specific San Francisco location being two within the same month suggests a possible trend or an individual animal exploring further south than usual. The exact reasons for such occurrences can include factors such as changes in prey availability, water temperatures, or navigational exploration by the animals.
Further information regarding the duration of the Steller sea lion’s stay on the docks, its departure, or any observed interactions with the environment or human activity was not detailed in the provided summary.
Story summarized from the original created by KGO on abc7news.com, see more information here.
