Giant sea lion hauled aboard fishing boat in Pacific

A fishing crew in the Pacific Ocean got more than they bargained for when they hauled in their net and discovered an enormous sea lion tangled inside, hoisted onto the deck along with the day's catch.

Footage shows the large marine mammal arriving on the vessel's deck after becoming entangled in the fishing net while in the water. The fishermen found themselves face-to-face with an unexpectedly large guest who had stumbled into the situation through no choice of his own.

Sea lions are marine mammals belonging to the eared seal family. They are known for their muscular bodies, large flippers, and ability to move both in water and on land. Unlike true seals, sea lions have external ear flaps and can rotate their rear flippers beneath their bodies to walk on solid ground.

A giant sea lion emerges from the fishing net (Photo: social media)

The animal may be a Steller sea lion, one of the largest sea lion species, which inhabits the coasts of the northern Pacific Ocean. Adult males of the species can reach lengths of around 11 feet and weigh more than a ton.

The unusual encounter highlights the danger of entanglement that marine animals face from fishing equipment. According to the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, nets, fishing lines, and gear that is lost or abandoned at sea can cause serious injuries, interfere with animals' ability to move and hunt, and even lead to drowning and death.

In many cases, animals carry remnants of fishing gear with them for extended periods, with nets and ropes becoming tangled around their bodies and causing injuries that worsen over time.