The sea lion problem in Astoria, an Oregon community, has been under an unusual fix by using a fake killer whale.
A 32-foot-long fiberglass orca was used to scare away the sea lions, Oregon Live reported. The idea was suggested by its owner, Terry Buzzard from Bellingham, Washington. The fake whale floats, spots and sings as well. Buzzard has made the “Fake Willy” 12 years ago to help him promote his business, Island Mariner Whale Watching Cruises.
When Buzzard heard about the sea lion problem in Astoria, he offered his fake whale to help the community. He explained, "That being my business, I know the natural predator of sea lions is the orca whale so I just put two and two together."
The latest count of sea lions is 2,300 and compared last year, the record has increased for more than1 1,000. It is also ten times higher during 2010.
Sea lion prevents boat owners to their slips and these animal creatures continuously damage the docks due to their size and weight. Another problem is that they constantly consume salmon, thus affecting the commercial fishing industry.
According to OPB News, city officials of Astoria used electrified mats on the docks to scare away the sea lions. However, it failed because the Astoria water was not salty enough for the sea lions to notice small shocks. They have also tried putting up chain-link fences, but these adorable sea animals could literally knock them all.
During the 1980s, the same idea to scare off the sea lion was executed but it failed. Port Commission Spokesman Rob Evert said that the fake whale is more realistic solution in solving the problem.