PORTLAND, Ore., March 13 (UPI) -- A second sea lion captured by wildlife officials near Oregon's Bonneville Dam will be put down, as the first one was, officials said.
The Oregonian reported Friday that veterinarians decided to euthanize the mammal after they found a contagious viral infection that prevents it from being transferred to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.
The viral infection appears to be the same as the one found in a sea lion killed by lethal injection Thursday, said Rick Hargrave, a spokesman for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.
The animals were killed under a multistate program aimed at reducing sea lion consumption of salmon listed under the Endangered Species Act.
The sea lions prey on salmon gathered at fish ladders below the Bonneville Dam on their way up the Columbia River.
