Sea lion wanders far from water in Washington state

A sea lion wandered far from water in southwest Washington state.

The Oregonian/OregonLive reports the Steller sea lion, weighing around 600 pounds, was discovered in a wooded area outside the town of Castle Rock, Washington.

The animal was about two miles from a viable water source.

Sheriff's deputies, Fish and Wildlife officers, and representatives from the Cowlitz County Humane Society had to wait several hours for a trailer to arrive Saturday to transport the animal back to the water.

Authorities believe the female sea lion was hunting smelt, a small fish. Sea lions are common in the Cowlitz River this time of year, but it’s rare for them to make their way up small tributaries.