A gigantic 2,000lb Steller sea lion nicknamed “Chonkers” has become an unexpected local celebrity after taking up residence in the San Francisco Bay. The massive sea lion swam up to a dock on Pier 39 in San Francisco about a month ago and has remained in the area since, drawing attention from residents, visitors and social media users who have been sharing frequent photos and videos of the animal looming over its peers. Chonkers is a much larger breed than the more common California sea lions found in the Bay area, which according to the San Francisco Chronicle rarely exceed more than 850lb and 7ft in length.
According to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, male Steller sea lions can reach up to 2,500lb and 11ft in length, with a lifespan of 20 to 30 years. While Steller sea lions typically live around Alaska, harbormaster Sheila Chandor told the Chronicle in March that they stray as far as San Francisco “every few years”. As many as 2,000 sea lions can often gather on the pier, depending on the time of year. The Chronicle reported last month that Chonkers could be seen near the Pier 39 viewing area, and that local harbor officials had described him as a “morning lark”, advising people to “get to the Pier early” if they wanted to catch a glimpse.
Source: ‘Chonkers’ the large sea lion charms the San Francisco Bay area | San Francisco | The Guardian
Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away your goods do not ask them back.
Luke 6:30
Boil water advisory continues for Village of Romeo
A boil water advisory continues until further notice in the Village of Romeo in Macomb County, Michigan, where a water main break occurred on Saturday. While…
Keep reading
Fighter jets intercept aircraft that violate airspace during President Trump’s Chicago-area visit
There was a scramble in the skies Sunday tied to President Trump’s visit to the Chicago area. Fighter jets intercepted multiple planes that violated flight restrictions.…
Keep reading
Thousands lose power in Massachusetts as nor’easter brings down trees and wires
The September nor’easter is leaving its mark across the state, with several reports of trees and wires down in multiple communities. A large tree completely uprooted…
Keep reading
New giant pandas from China arrive in Atlanta zoo
Two giant pandas from China have arrived in the U.S. as part of an agreement between the Chinese and American governments, the Atlanta zoo confirmed on…
Keep reading
Third of young people now turning to AI for friendship, research finds
A third of young people are now using an AI companion, according to new research. The RELATE Project 2026, by Christian youth ministry Young Life, spoke…
Keep reading
Bear accidentally dumped into trash truck after climbing inside trash container
A recent video from Castle Rock shows a Colorado black bear escaping from a waste management truck. Last Wednesday, Castle Rock resident Evan Elmore says the…
Keep reading
Sea turtle lays eggs on Southern California beach for first time, wildlife experts believe
A sea turtle has nested on a West Coast beach for what wildlife experts say is the first time in recorded history. Video captured last Wednesday…
Keep reading
Scientists Just Found the First New Cat Species in 100 Years — And Can’t Believe They Missed It
Scientists have identified a new wild cat species in Bolivia’s cloud forests—and the strangest part is that it was hiding in plain sight. Called the tilcayo,…
Keep reading
Ontario, Canada: Police officer wounded in shooting near synagogue
A police officer was shot and wounded near a synagogue in Ontario, Canada, on Sunday evening during an exchange of gunfire with an armed man as…
Keep reading
Colorado UTV rider rescued after falling 250 feet down steep embankment
A UTV rider in Colorado was hospitalized after losing control near a steep embankment and falling about 250 feet. Around 11:29 p.m., Grand County Search and…
Keep reading
Inmate, 10 correctional officers hospitalized after mattress fire at Cook County Jail
An inmate and 10 Cook County Jail correctional officers were hospitalized Sunday afternoon after a mattress fire. The Cook County Sheriff’s office said around 3 p.m.…
Keep reading
Trump says he’s struck deal to give U.S. “permanent control over security” in Greenland
President Trump said Friday he has struck a deal to give the United States “permanent control over security, and all other needs, in Greenland,” following a…
Keep reading
Maryland State Police intern helps rescue injured bald eagle from roadway
A Maryland State Police intern found himself on an incredible, unexpected assignment this week. The department posted two photos on social media Friday, showing Centreville Barrack…
Keep reading
F-16 fighter jet crashes in residential area in northern Michigan
A U.S. F-16 fighter jet pilot safely ejected before the aircraft crashed in northern Michigan on Thursday afternoon, officials said. The incident occurred in Grand Traverse…
Keep reading
Colorado Parks and Wildlife relocates mountain lion spotted in neighborhood tree
Colorado Parks and Wildlife officers were called to investigate a mountain lion that had decided to climb a tree in Westminster on Tuesday and hang out…
Keep reading
Firefighters reunite with dog they rescued from Pasadena house fire
A Pasadena family’s dog reunited with his rescuers, who pulled him out of a house fire that nearly killed him last week. Owner Fernando said he…
Keep reading
Colorado Parks and Wildlife says bears attacked teen inside condo and woman at campground
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is investigating two bear attacks over the weekend that left a woman and a teen injured. The first incident happened at the…
Keep reading
Bear calls rise around Lake Tahoe as California, Nevada take different approaches
Bear-related calls are on the rise around the Lake Tahoe region, with South Lake Tahoe police reporting 174 calls so far this year, compared with 97…
Keep reading
Climber rescued at California’s Mount Shasta after crawling to shelter overnight
A Mount Shasta climber was airlifted to a hospital after sliding about 500 feet down the mountain, injuring himself and then crawling through the night to…
Keep reading
More evacuations lifted as containment grows on Lucas Fire in Northern California
A growing number of residents in two Northern California counties have been allowed to return home as firefighters increased containment on the Lucas Fire burning near…
Keep reading
3 dead after NBC Los Angeles news helicopter crashes near site of deadly bus crash in Chatsworth
Three people were killed when an NBC Los Angeles helicopter crashed in the San Fernando Valley on Tuesday night near the scene of a deadly Metro…
Keep reading
Mother injured after fighting off coyote that attacked 4-year-old daughter
An Arizona mother is recovering after she was attacked by a coyote that initially went after her 4-year-old daughter, reports AZFamily. Brittany Cardinal of Surprise, Arizona,…
Keep readingSomething went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
You must be logged in to post a comment.