Sea Lion Attacks Little Girl

Over the weekend a video of a girl being dragged into the water by a seal in Steveston went viral. Steveston is a dock mostly frequented by tourists for its marine mammals. 

While warning signs were already posted regarding the dangers of feeding the wildlife, Port officials are continuing efforts to post more. 

In an interview with CTV Vancouver, chair of the Steveston Harbour Authority, Robert Keisman reported being disturbed by the behaviour of the adults surrounding the incident. "To not only be feeding the sea lion, but to let the little girl sit on the deck with her back to it and dress hanging over," said Keisman, "Really mindless behavior." Many signs were added by Sunday evening, but more are to be added in the days ahead. 

Staff has already been stationed at the dock to warn visitors against feeding the marine life, and signs printed from Fisheries and Oceans Canada have been posted warning about the dangers of feeding (specifically) sea lions. 

While some marine life, including sea lions, can appear cute and cuddly, they can be very dangerous. According to one of the signs posted: "[Sea lions] have sharp teeth and may bite extended hands or fingers...these bites can cause very serious infection that may lead to amputation of a limb or even death."

Anyone who is not legally fishing disturb sea life can face a $100,000 fine.