In the afternoon of Sunday, September 28, a sea lion was discovered resting on the beaches of Puerto Vallarta. Marisol García Romero said the mammal appeared at about 2:00 PM at the Best Western Hotel Puerto Vallarta, almost at Los Arcos.
Romero said the animal seemed tires and disoriented. He rested on the stones, dropped to the sand, and enjoyed the water and sun.
The sea lion rested for about 30 minutes and then returned to the sea. Staff of the Best Western reported seeing another sea lion the day before.
The sea lion measured just over a meter, black with a brown neck, estimated weight of 50-60 kilos. Although appearing tired, the sea lion appeared in good health says witnesses.
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Fun Sea Lion Facts
- Belong to the order of sea mammals called Pinnipedia, a Latin word meaning “fin foot” or “wing foot”.
- Are amphibious animals meaning they are adapted to life both in water and on land.
- Can swim at speeds of 11 to 24 miles per hour and are able to stay submerged for 10 – 15 minutes at a time. They can dive to depths up to 1,300 feet.
- On land use their back flippers to walk, climb or even gallop, which enables them to move surprisingly fast.
- Balance a ball utilizing their whiskers and not their nose.
- Have a coat of course outer hairs, called Guard Hairs which appear brown when dry and help to keep the sea lion warm. When wet, the fur flattens to give a sleek dark colored coat.
- Nap during the day and at night and can sleep both in or out of the water
what’s the story?
It isn’t a common sight to see in this area.
Never have seen one here before.