A Sitka man was attacked by a sea lion during offloading at a Stka dock on Sunday.

While off-loading their catch at the Seafood Producers Cooperative dock on Sunday, a man was attacked and bitten by sea lion according to the troopers dispatch.

The 19-year-old man was sitt ing on the boat rail during off-loading and a large bull sea lion launched itself from the water and bit the man on the buttocks causing him to fall forward onto the deck according to Wildlife troopers. man received minor injuries that did not require medical attention.

Wildlife troopers are working with National Marine Fisheries personnel attempting to determine what prompted the attack on Sunday.

Troopers are asking fishermen and hunters to take heed and use caution while at any dock in Sitka and advise the public to dispose of fish waste and carcasses properly and to not discard waste into the harbor to avoid sea lions associating humans with food.

To report aggressive Sea Lion behavior in Sitka, please contact the Alaska Wildlife Trooper, Sitka Post, at 907-747-3254, or the National Marine Fisheries Service at 907-586-7225.