The docks at San Francisco's Pier 39 are bustling with an impressive sight, as sea lion numbers have hit a seven-year high, reportedly reaching 820 frolicking pinnipeds. The harbor master confirmed the surge in the aquatic population, which experts attribute to the abundance of anchovy schools swimming over from the Farallon Islands near the Golden Gate Bridge. The San Francisco Chronicle reported this phenomenon, tying the growth directly to the plentiful food supply, which seems to have extra active marine creatures.

Visitors to Pier 39 can expect to witness the sea lions indulge in their feast and frolic, especially now when their playful antics are on full display. The sea lion spectacle has become a significant draw for tourists since these mammals took over the K-Dock post the Loma Prieta earthquake of 1989 and have since been allowed to make their presence a part of the local charm steadily. The Pier 39 official Facebook page captured the sentiment perfectly, claiming, "There's no better time to visit our sea lions!" and highlighting their "happy bellies."

Despite being a hallmark of San Francisco tourism, the sea lion population typically dips during the summer months at K-Dock, only to usually make a grand reappearance in late summer and fall. During these times, the docks come alive with nature's brand of locals. The current count of sea lions is far from the record high of 1,701 in November 2009, but a significant increase has caught the attention of locals and tourists alike.

For those who can't manage to see the sea lions in person, they needn't worry about missing out on the excitement. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, a live cam set up by Pier 39 allows anyone with an internet connection to virtually join in on the action and watch these sea lions around the clock as they play and lounge at the docks.