Second Sea Lion Attack In Two Days Off San Francisco

SAN FRANCISCO, CA —A man was bitten by a sea lion while swimming off Aquatic Park Friday morning, the second attack reported by a sea lion in two days.

Like yesterday's attack, the victim had to be taken to the hospital to be treated for his injuries. The bite is considered non-life threatening.

The San Francisco Fire Department Tweeted, "At this time we recommend AVOID THE AREA. SWIM AT YOUR OWN RISK AT AQUATIC PARK."

Ironically, Dr. Claire Simeon, a veterinarian with the Marine Mammal Center, said yesterday that such bites are unusual. She said that over a three year period, only 1o bites or scratches had been reported in the waters off San Francisco. The study found no clear patterns or common causes among the incidents. While it was clear that approaching the animals could cause negative reactions, many of the swimmers did not appear to have done anything to provoke the attack.

She reminded people that "As these animals are wild, their behavior can be erratic."

-Image of sea lions at Pier 39 by Renee Schiavone, Patch; Bay City News contributed to this article