Mile 229 Report
South Depoe Bay
July 16, 2022
News of a dead sea lion was circulating in our community of Little Whale Cove the week of July 11.
Report Details
News of a dead sea lion was circulating in our community of Little Whale Cove the week of July 11. Eagles and vultures were spotted near the dead sea lion as well as vultures circling overhead. The stranding message line was called at 541-270-6830. Jim Rice responded right away after a message was left. Jim asked for close up photos of the dead sea lion's flippers and pelt. Jim was very helpful and responsive to emails and photos sent. The pelt was a light gold color. Here's some information about the difference between steller sea lions and California sea lions. "Steller sea lions are much larger than California Sea Lions. Males push 2,500 pounds and 11 feet long (850 pounds and 7 feet for California sea lions) while females weigh close to 1,000 pounds and 9 feet long (220 pounds and 6 feet for California sea lions). Male Stellers also have much thicker necks. Steller sea lions are closer to reddish brown-to-blonde in color, but when wet, both California and Steller sea lions may look very similar in color. Stellers have a more blunt face than California sea lions (shorter snouts, sometimes described as “bear-like”). Male California sea lions develop a bump on their skull, called a sagittal crest, which male Stellers do not have"
Conditions
Temperature: 62 F. Cloud Cover: Sunny. Wind Velocity: Calm/Light. Wind Direction: N. Tide Level: 7.0 feet.
Actions & Comments
A sea lion washed up on the Little Whale Cove beach the week of July 11. The dead sea lion was reported to Jim Rice at stranding@oregonstate.edu. Close up photos were taken and submitted, particularly of the pelt and flippers. The mammal was identified as a steller sea lion.



Report Images
All Mile 229 Reports
Mile 229
South Depoe Bay
News of a dead sea lion was circulating in our community of Little Whale Cove the week of July 11.
njwhite
Mile 229
South Depoe Bay
Mile # 229 consists of a rocky basalt coastline which rises approximately 50-70 feet from the ocean, making the area close to the ocean inaccessible.
njwhite
Mile 229
South Depoe Bay
Observed young Black Oystercatcher and parent on the rocks near the whale watching platform.
njwhite
Mile 229
South Depoe Bay
Pictures were taken from a central point along mile 229 looking to the north and south
njwhite
Mile 229
South Depoe Bay
MP229 Description90% of the mile is a pillow basalt headland rising approximately 50 feet above mean sea level.
earle@rother2.com
Mile 229
South Depoe Bay
Observed high tide (King Tide) at 11:50 a.
earle@rother2.com