Federal judge approves killing sea lions at Bonneville Dam, but legal challenge continues

A federal judge Thursday turned down a request to halt the killing of California sea lions at Bonneville Dam, clearing the way for wildlife officials to remove up to 30 animals this year.

The Humane Society of the United States had asked for a temporary restraining order while it proceeds with a lawsuit against the practice. Wildlife officials, intending to reduce sea lions' consumption of salmon and steelhead, have trapped and removed 38 sea lions since 2008. They've killed 28 and shipped the other 10 to zoos and aquariums. The killings are controversial, however, and the legal fight is continuing.

Bonneville Dam, in the Columbia River about 140 miles inland, is the first obstacle for migrating salmon and steelhead. They pool up below the dam, making them easy pickings for sea lions that have followed them up river. Read More