Investigators say sea lion traps were closed

By Associated Press

Summary

In the trapping operations, the traps are left open so the sea lions get used to them. But Brian Gorman with the National Marine Fisheries Services says that when officers got to the carcasses, they found the traps closed.

Story Published: May 5, 2008 at 3:10 PM PST

Story Updated: Nov 20, 2008 at 6:24 PM PST

Investigators say sea lion traps were closed

One of several cages used to trap sea lions is removed on the Columbia River near Bonneville Dam in North Bonneville, Wash., Monday, May 5, 2008. (AP Photo/Don Ryan)

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - Officials say the traps in which six Columbia River sea lions apparently were shot to death had been closed.

Wildlife agents have been trapping sea lions that eat salmon at Bonneville Dam.

On Sunday, six were found dead. They are protected by federal laws.

At first, officials assumed that the traps were open.

In the trapping operations, the traps are left open so the sea lions get used to them. When wildlife agents are ready to remove the sea lions, they close the traps.

But Brian Gorman, of the National Marine Fisheries Services, says that when officers got to the carcasses near an island below the dam, they found the traps closed.

The trapping operation has been suspended while an investigation of the deaths is conducted.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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