A California sea lion caused quite a stir on the Pacific Rim Highway near Tofino, B.C., after venturing almost 10 kilometers inland from the ocean. The 150-kilogram marine mammal, first mistaken for a bear, was spotted in the middle of the winding road early Sunday morning. Thanks to an alert driver and quick action by local authorities, the sea lion received an unusual but life-saving police escort back to safety.
Mark Macdonnell initially thought the report was unlikely, but upon arrival, he found the sea lion stranded in a hazardous section of the highway near a steep embankment. Macdonnell, along with Parks Canada and highway maintenance workers, carefully herded the animal 500 meters to a safer location, where it re-entered Kennedy Lake.
Marine experts believe the sea lion likely swam from the ocean up the Kennedy River and Staghorn Creek, eventually ending up on the highway. Thankfully, the animal is now back in the water and expected to find its way back to the ocean. Authorities emphasized the importance of immediate reporting, noting that the sea lion’s safe return would not have been possible without the driver’s call.
This incident is a reminder of the surprising journeys marine animals can take and the critical role of community vigilance in ensuring their safety.