In One Ear: Pinniped peregrination

Published 6:00 am Thursday, January 22, 2026

Roaming rerun: On Sunday, a sea lion went for a stroll to the corner of Seventh and Astor streets. Perhaps to get some pizza, or rent a video? Tiffany Major took the photo shown.

The Astoria Police Department was summoned, and Sgt. Andrew Randall showed up. “This one is the farthest out that he’s dealt with,” a police spokesperson told KATU. “They try to guide them back in the water. Depending on the personality, it takes time … Sometimes they charge people!”

The Oregon State Police was called in, too. “The State Police called us,” Tiffany Boothe of the Seaside Aquarium said, “and I happened to be in Astoria on my way to the East Mooring Basin. The sea lion was very mellow, for a sea lion, and we were easily able to walk the animal down the Riverwalk and down a small embankment.” Walkabout sea lion situation resolved. (In One Ear, 2/2/2018) (Photo: Tiffany Major)