Massive Steller sea lion seen sunbathing at San Francisco's Pier 39

Friday, March 13, 2026
SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- It is not unusual to see seals and sea lions sunbathing at San Francisco's Pier 39, but right now there is an extra large pinniped making itself at home.

A Steller sea lion showed up Friday morning and it is big - as you can see in these pictures.

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This is likely a male, and they can reach 11 feet in length and weigh up to 2,500 pounds.

Steller sea lions frequent the Pacific Ocean and can be found from California all the way up to Alaska.



They were endangered, but recovered enough to be taken off the list in 2013.



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