RICHMOND (NEWS 1130) – A terrifying video has surfaced of a sea lion pulling a young girl into the water at Richmond yesterday.

The incident occurred at Steveston Wharf around 6:45 p.m.

The girl and the man who rescued her appear to be okay after being submerged in the water.

Michael Fujiwara filmed the video, and says the situation was pretty scary.

“Pretty much the family started feeding the animal and the animal got a little comfortable with the humans, I guess,’ he says. “Everyone’s OK, they were all shaken up a little bit but it seemed like they were OK, no injuries.”

He says things were pretty quiet after the sea lion pounced.

“Everyone just started walking away, they weren’t really saying much. They were just terrified and they just wanted to get out of the area as soon as possible.”

“These seals or sea lions, they might look a little friendly but I guess they are wild animals and people shouldn’t really be messing with them.”

Several signs can be seen around the area warning people not to feed the animals.

Stop feeding wild animals: marine mammal trainer

Danielle Hyson is a senior marine mammal trainer with the Vancouver Aquarium. She says the animal was a male California sea lion.

“He became frustrated when the feeding stopped and started to become aggressive.”

She says the video is upsetting.

“Nobody wants to see that happen. But unfortunately, it’s not all that surprising. A lot of people continue to feed wildlife and this can happen, it’s a reality. These animals are potentially quite aggressive and can be really dangerous. And I know they look cute and cuddly, but they certainly are not. They’re not dogs.”

“We need to remember to give them more space and respect, and stop feeding them.”

Hyson says she has heard reports of harbour seals trying to nip and bite children, but this video is the most shocking she’s seen.

She also has concerns for the young girl.

“If she did suffer a puncture wound she’s at risk for a serious infection that doctors aren’t often aware of… If her family wants to get in touch with the Vancouver Aquarium we can pass on more information.”