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Shark-Wounded Sea Lion on North Oregon Coast Disappears |
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Covering 180 miles of Oregon coast travel: Astoria, Seaside, Cannon Beach, Manzanita, Nehalem, Wheeler, Rockaway, Garibaldi, Tillamook, Oceanside, Pacific City, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay, Newport, Waldport, Yachats & Florence.
09/17/07
Secrets of the Season |
Shark-Wounded Sea Lion on North Oregon Coast Disappears
Photos by Dave Pastor
(Astoria,
Oregon) – Marine experts are warning that a seriously distressed
California Sea Lion may pose a danger to beachgoers if they happen across
it. The sea lion was found this weekend recovering from what is apparently
a shark attack. Its right front flipper was bitten off, and it was seen
resting on a north Oregon coast beach Saturday. It has since disappeared,
however, and thus could be a problem should it wash up on any other beach.
Arch
Cape Property Services.
Dozens of homes in that dreamy,
rugged stretch between Cannon Beach and Manzanita known as Arch
Cape. Oceanfront and ocean view , or just a short walk from the
sea. |
The warning is so serious that staff from the north coast’s Marine Mammal Stranding Network would not initially release the location to the media. They now stress that anyone coming across it may be in danger because it is one disgruntled beast, should it wander up elsewhere.
Keith Chandler is manager of the Seaside Aquarium and part of the network, and he and his staff responded to the reports of the injured mammal. He said it is 800 pounds, approximately eight feet in length and is a full grown male. “It’s about eight feet, but it wouldn’t let us get close enough to measure it,” he said.
Its right
front flipper was chewed away, and the bone is showing. The injury is
not life threatening, but the sea lion needs time to rest and heal.
Chandler said he got the report on Saturday from a surfer who was ready to go into the water near the south jetty of the Columbia River. He then saw the sea lion charge out of the sea, bleeding profusely along the way. The surfer decided not to go in the water after seeing something having done that much damage.
Chandler believed it was a shark attack, and he didn’t blame the guy for not going back in the water. “It’s either of two things: an orca whale or a shark,” Chandler said. “If it was an orca, I don’t think there would be much left of the thing.”
The sea
lion disappeared by the time staff went out to check on it around 10 a.m.
Monday. Chandler and his group then checked a 15-mile stretch of beach
from Seaside to the jetty and could not find it. “It could be farther
up on the jetty, where we don’t have access. But it still could
wash up anywhere.”
Chandler
said it was difficult to see know how the creature would heal. “We
don’t know how much blood it lost, and there’s always the
possibility of infection. But otherwise, those injuries are not life threatening.”
It has obviously wandered back into the ocean, but that doesn’t mean it’s feeling better. In the meantime, Chandler urged anyone who might run across it to leave it alone. “It could be dangerous,” he said.
Chandler and his staff spent time Sunday morning posting signs in the area around the sea lion, warning the public to keep away and letting them the creature is being monitored by authorities.
Chandler said attacks on humans by great white sharks are rare, and there is no apparent danger to surfers.
DIVE
INTO LUXURY, HISTORY AT THE TIDES THE TIDES BY THE SEA, Seaside. For over 80 years a favorite of Seaside visitors. 51 oceanfront condos, individually owned and decorated. Suites for couples, small apartments with fireplaces and kitchenettes, one or two bed family units with fireplaces, kitchens and dining rooms. Oceanview cottages sleep anywhere from two to eight, w/ two bedrooms, some with lofts, fireplaces and kitchens. Heated outdoor pool, enormous grounds w/ picnic tables - all at quiet southern end of Seaside. 2316 Beach Drive. 800-548-2846. www.thetidesbythesea.com. |
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A1 Beach Rentals, Lincoln City. Perfect for large family vacations all the way down to a getaway lodging for two - with over 25 vacation rental homes to choose from. A breathtaking collection of craftsman or traditional beachfront homes, or oceanview houses – from one to seven bedrooms. In various areas of Lincoln City and overlooking the beach, with some in Depoe Bay. All kinds of amenities are available, like hot tubs, decks, BBQ, rock fireplaces, beamed ceilings and more. Some are new, some are historic charmers. Lincoln City, Oregon. 1-(503)-232-5984. www.a1beachrentals.com. |
D Sands Condominium Motel, Lincoln City. Free, fresh baked cookie upon check-in is just the start. All rooms beachfront and up against Lincoln City's most famous stretch of beach: the D River. Each room comes as a suite or mini-suite, and has a kitchen and balcony or patio. Some w/ gas fireplaces, while all have a DVD Players; movies to rent come with free popcorn. Heated indoor pool, a spa, and this fabulous beach is lit at night. Rooms sleep from two, four to six - including a deluxe fireplace suite. Gift certificates orspecial occasion packages. www.dsandsmotel.com. 171 S.W. Highway 101. 800-527-3925. |
Weiss' Paradise Suites & Vacation Rentals - Seaside
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Lincoln City Vacation Homes Something for everyone: smaller homes with a view to a large house that sleeps 15. All are either oceanfront or just a few steps away – all with a low bank access and fantastic views. Most are in the Nelscott area; one is close to the casino. You’ll find a variety of goodies: fireplaces, multiple bedrooms, dishwashers, Jacuzzis, washer/dryers, hot tubs, cable TV, VCR, barbecues; there’s a loft in one, and another sprawling home has two apartments. Pets allowed in some homes – ask first. Each comes with complete kitchens. Most have seventh night free. Prices range from winter $85 to summer $230 per night. www.getaway2thecoast.com. 541-994-8778. |
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Tradewinds Motel, Rockaway Beach. All rooms are immaculate and have TV’s, VCR’s and in-room phones w/ data ports. Oceanfronts have queen bed, a double hide-a-bed, kitchen, cozy firelog fireplace and private deck. Both types sleep up to four people. Others are appointed for a two-person romantic getaway, yet still perfect for those on a budget. Elaborate oceanfront Jacuzzi suite has two bedrooms, kitchen, double hide-a-bed, fireplace and private deck, sleeping as many as six. For family reunions or large gatherings such as weddings, some rooms can connect to create two-room and three-room suites. Some rooms pet friendly. 523 N. Pacific St., Rockaway Beach. (503) 355-2112 - 1-800-824-0938. www.tradewinds-motel.com |
Inn At Spanish Head, Lincoln City. Lincoln City’s only resort hotel built right on the beach with all oceanfront rooms - nestled against a rugged cliffside overlooking a soft, sandy beach. Dine in penthouse restaurant and bar, for casual meal or candlelight dinner. An array of seafood specialties, juicy steaks and other Northwest favorites, including decadent Sunday buffet. Rooms range from bedrooms to studios to 1-bedroom suites with microwaves and refrigerators to full kitchens. Also, wi-fi, spa, saunas, exercise room and year-round heated swimming pool. Kids will love the game room and easy beach access. Full-service conference/meeting rooms for that inspirational retreat; extensive wedding possibilities. 4009 SW Highway 101, Lincoln City. 1-800-452-8127 or 541-996-2161. www.spanishhead.com |
 Inn
at Cannon Beach. Beautifully wooded natural setting at quiet south
end of Cannon Beach. Great during winter storms with a new book by
the fireplace – or when the sun is out for family fun and beach
strolling. Handsome beach cottage-style architecture. Lush flowering
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Continental buffet breakfast. Warm Cookies. Family and Pet Friendly.
Welcome gifts. Smoke-free. Complimentary Wireless Connectivity. Wine
and book signing events. 800-321-6304 or 503-436-9085. Hemlock At
Surfcrest, Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.atcannonbeach.com. |
The Ocean Lodge. There will not be another property built like this in Cannon Beach in our lifetimes. Rare, premiere ocean front location; handsome, dramatic architecture and tasteful, fun (nostalgic) beach interiors. Overlooks Haystack Rock. 100 percent smoke free. Imaginative special occasion packages. Massive wood burning lobby fireplace. Library w/ fireplace, stocked with impressive book collection. Pet and family friendly. Lavish continental buffet breakfast. In-room fireplaces, mini-kitchens. Jacuzzi tubs in select rooms. DVD players, complimentary movies. Morning paper. Warm cookies. 888-777-4047. 503-436-2241. 2864 Pacific Street. Cannon Beach, Oregon. www.theoceanlodge.com |
STARFISH
POINT Newport - Offers only the finest in luxury condominium
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