San Francisco - A stranded sea lion pup has been spotted wandering a San Francisco sidewalk in a scene that marine rescuers warn could become commonplace as the ocean heats up.
Video from the Marine Mammal Centre in nearby Sausalito shows the male sea lion nicknamed Rubbish hiding under a car on Thursday and waddling away from rescuers. They eventually got a net around the pup, moved it into a crate and took it to the centre.
KNTV reports that a veterinarian there recognised Rubbish, who also was rescued in Santa Barbara in February. Then, he was treated for pneumonia and malnutrition.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says more than 1 800 sea lion pups have been stranded in California since January because of a warming ocean and dwindling food supply.