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Sea lions spotted in the Sacramento River

A group of sea lions are attracting attention in Old Sacramento. Visitors enjoy their playful antics, but wildlife authorities warn not to get to close, and never feed the animals.

In recent weeks sea lions have been making themselves at home in the Sacramento River, swimming, sunning, cavorting and competing.

They've become a popular attraction to visitors to the historic district, and because they often congregate on cement docks near fenced walkways, people can observe them quite closely.

Although they might appear playful and docile, people should not to get too close and not feed them, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They are wild animals and should be respected as such.

According to NOAA:

"Feeding or trying to feed them is harmful and illegal, because it changes their natural behaviors and makes them less wary of people and vessels. They learn to associate humans with an easy meal and change their natural hunting practices—for example, they take bait catch directly off fishing gear. Sometimes they fall victim to retaliation (such as shooting) by frustrated boaters and fishermen."

Wildlife authorities say sea lions tend to be wary of human beings, but these animals appear fairly comfortable in close proximity with them, only separated by metal railings.

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