Oregon, Washington suspend sea lion trapping at Bonneville Dam after 2 animals killed in mishap

PORTLAND (AP) — Oregon and Washington have temporarily suspended sea lion trapping operations at Bonneville Dam after two animals were accidentally killed.

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife spokesman Rick Hargrave says a malfunction caused a trap door to close with nine California and Steller sea lions inside. Biologists found the dead sea lions when they got the door open Wednesday.

A veterinarian determined that a 1,500-pound Steller sea lion crushed the much smaller California sea lions.

The states have federal authorization to remove and euthanize California sea lions seen preying on salmon.

The trap doors are typically kept open and then closed remotely — like a garage door opener — when a sea lion on the list for removal appears inside.

The two dead sea lions were not on the list.