Judge refuses to block killing of sea lions

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) - A federal judge has denied a request by the Humane Society of the United States to block the government from killing protected sea lions at Bonneville Dam.

U.S. District Judge Michael Mosman ruled Wednesday that the National Marine Fisheries Service and the states of Oregon and Washington are likely to prevail if the case goes to court.

Indian tribes and fishermen say the hungry sea lions are eating threatened salmon.

Mosman will hear more arguments, though. The society wants him to limit control measures to nonlethal trapping and removal.

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