A sea lion found in an alley behind Ocean Beach businesses early Friday was rescued by SeaWorld San Diego.
San Diego Police Officers were flagged down by someone reporting the sea lion under the Ocean Beach pier.
The sea lion moved quickly, hiding under bikes and cars in a parking lot on Newport Avenue.
The pinniped then made its way to an alley behind the South Beach Bar and Grill.
Officers and some residents were able to create a makeshift pen for the sea lion using pieces of lattice.
Eric Otjen with the SeaWorld San Diego Rescue Team said the sea lion was about 9 months old, very emaciated and dehydrated.
When waves are big like they have been this week, sea lions have trouble finding the food source they need, Otjen said.
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Sea lions can also get tired and come to the shore to rest but if the waves are too big they don't always want to go back out, he added.
Otjen said officers and locals did a good job of making sure the animal was kept safe but it's always best not to touch the animal life.
