VIDEO: Pirate Sea Lion Hijacks Sailboat

Check out the hilarious video below of a sea lion that has made itself home on a sail boat in Newport Beach, California. Not sure what the regulations on marine mammal piracy are these days but I wouldn’t want to be the one to tell this fella to skedaddle.

Sea lions are fascinating marine mammals that belong to the family Otariidae. Here are some intriguing facts about these captivating creatures:

Social Swimmers: Sea lions are highly social animals and can be found in large colonies along coastlines and islands. They exhibit remarkable communication skills, using barks, growls, and body language to convey emotions and establish territories.
Pinniped Prowess: As part of the pinniped group, sea lions are skilled swimmers and divers. They possess powerful front flippers and can reach speeds of up to 25 miles per hour (40 km/h) in water. These flippers are also crucial for steering and maneuvering while hunting for prey.
Sensitive Whiskers: Sea lions have long, sensitive whiskers called vibrissae, which help them detect movements and vibrations in the water. This unique feature aids them in locating prey, even in murky conditions.
Astounding Intelligence: These marine mammals are known for their remarkable intelligence. They can learn complex tricks, follow instructions, and solve problems, making them popular attractions in marine parks and aquariums.
Efficient Predators: Sea lions predominantly feed on fish and squid, displaying impressive hunting skills. They work together during group hunting, surrounding schools of fish and herding them into compact masses for easy capture.
Remarkable Vocalizations: Sea lions are quite vocal and use an array of sounds to communicate. Their distinct barks, roars, and grunts are essential for social bonding, locating group members, and warning of potential dangers.
Seasonal Breeding: Sea lions exhibit seasonal breeding patterns. Males compete for territories and dominance over harems, and their vocal displays play a crucial role in attracting females during the breeding season.
Unique Nurturing: Female sea lions are highly devoted mothers. They give birth on land and nurse their pups for several months. During this period, females leave their young ones on the shore while they go out to hunt for food.
Impressive Diving Abilities: Sea lions are adept divers, capable of reaching depths of 600 to 900 feet (180 to 275 meters) to forage for food. They can hold their breath for extended periods, with some species capable of staying underwater for up to 10-15 minutes.
Conservation Concerns: Despite their adaptability and intelligence, sea lions face various threats, including habitat loss, pollution, climate change, and entanglement in fishing gear. Conservation efforts are crucial to safeguard these marvelous creatures and maintain the delicate balance of marine ecosystems they inhabit.