B.C. rescuers remove rope wrapped around sea lion's neck after weeks

VANCOUVER - Marine mammal rescuers in British Columbia say a weeks-long operation has successfully freed a sea lion from a rope wrapped around its neck that was causing "rapidly worsening injuries."

The Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society says the female Steller sea lion was spotted on Nov. 7 near Cowichan Bay off Vancouver Island, then throughout November and early December as its injuries deteriorated.