Good Samaritans Helping a Sea Lion Cross a Highway Reeks of Maine

A sea lion recently crossed a highway in San Diego, California

It's definitely not a sight you see every day or even possibly any day of your entire life. For whatever reason, according to ABC7 in California, a sea lion in San Diego ended up somehow wandering from its usual ocean habitat and stumbled upon a major California highway -- state Route 94.

Thankfully, two good Samaritans risked their lives and darted out on the highway to direct traffic and help the sea lion cross.

ABC7 reports that where the seal was found in state Route 94 was about three miles from San Diego Bay and eight miles from the ocean -- nowhere near water. It almost sounds like a scene out of the 1990s movie Homeward Bound, except replace the dogs and cat with a sea lion. Thankfully, two good Samaritans risked their lives and darted out on the highway to direct traffic and help the sea lion cross.

This could easily happen in Coastal Maine with a seal

Sure, this happened out on the west coast, but can't you see a similar thing happening here on the east coast, and more specifically, Coastal Maine? Even somewhere on the Seacoast in New Hampshire, too. Not just because of the fact that Maine is home to tons of gray seals and, according to Seacoast Science Center, harbor seals are most commonly found in New Hampshire, but it goes beyond that.

(Photo Credit: Marine Mammals Of Maine Via Facebook)

The most Maine or New Hampshire Seacoast thing ever would be for residents to beach (no pun intended) their car in the breakdown lane and play a bit of Frogger along I-95 or Rt 1 just to make sure that any stranded seal trying to cross the highway would be able to do so safely. We're just that kind of good human.

Photo by Keith Luke on Unsplash

The difference between seals and sea lions

Seals' stubby front feet are why seals travel on land by dragging themselves on their bellies

Although they look super similar, there are some pretty glaring differences between seals and sea lions. According to the National Ocean Service, possibly the most glaring difference can be seen in their front feet. While seals have stubby little front feet with a claw on each toe, sea lips have massive flappers that they actually use to hoist themselves up and "walk" on. Seals' stubby front feet are why seals travel on land by dragging themselves on their bellies (which, for some reason while typing this, is mentally reminiscent of the time David Hasselhoff was intoxicated eating a cheeseburger off the floor.)

Craving fish like seals do? Here are 15 must-have items for ice fishing season in Maine

Ice fishing is an excellent way to embrace the cold winter months in Maine. It will get you outdoors for some fresh air, it's family friendly, and a successful day could yield a tasty dinner. If you're new to the sport, we put together a list of gear you'll need for a fun, comfortable, and successful day on the ice. Some of these items are more essential than others. Some gear may not be essential at all, depending on how you plan to fish. Again, the items we listed are geared towards those who are new to ice fishing.

Before we get to the list, remember to dress appropriately for the cold weather. We didn't put warm outerwear on the list, but it's definitely a must-have. Dressing in layers is important to ensure you're warm enough throughout the day on the ice. If you start getting too warm, you can simply take a layer off. Hand warmers are also worth packing.

Or maybe you want ocean views like a seal? How 'bout this $1.975 million oceanfront property with a lighthouse?

The historic Keeper's House on Isle au Haut in Penobscot Bay is for sale and who wouldn't want to spend some time there? The property comes with the iconic and fully automated lighthouse on Robinson Point, which is maintained by the town itself, so you wouldn't have to do anything with it but sit back and enjoy it. Now, that's a big-time bonus in our book.

Categories: Articles