Trapped sea lions likely died of heat exhaustion
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. By KATU Web StaffPORTLAND, Ore. - Six Columbia River sea lions found dead in traps at Bonneville Dam earlier this month apparently died of heat exhaustion - not gunshots as initially believed, authorities announced Wednesday. The six were found dead May 4 in traps that had been closed on an island below the dam. The traps were supposed to be left open until wildlife agents were ready to remove them. The states of Oregon and Washington had been trapping the animals as part of a federally approved removal process to reduce sea lion impact on salmon at the dam. The trapping operation was suspended pending an investigation of the deaths. The trapping operation was suspended pending an investigation of the deaths.A necropsy on the animals found that they likely died of heat exhaustion but more conclusive results won't be ready for about 10 days. The Humane Society of the United States questioned Wednesday whether the 60-degree weather at the time would kill animals that can survive worse. - The Associated Press contributed to this report. |
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