As I approach the specially designed sea lion haul out dock in Newport, Oregon, I spot a number of California Sea Lions sleeping peacefully in the warm sun, all piled up together like a puppy pile, their bodies intertwined in a cozy and adorable heap.
The sea lions appear undisturbed by the loud sounds of the nearby pier and seafood plants on the historic Bayfront. Then, suddenly, there's a change in atmosphere, and the peaceful slumber of the sea lions is disturbed by an approaching visitor. As another sea lion tries to climb on the dock, all the sea lions awaken abruptly, barking aggressively at the intruder. The once peaceful scene turns into a chaotic display of dominance, as the sea l...