In a city where squatters' rights are practically a religion, nobody does it better than the sea lions of Pier 39. And this week, the resident California sea lions got some truly enormous company — not one, but two Steller sea lions have been spotted lounging on the docks, absolutely dwarfing their neighbors.

Steller sea lions are the largest of the eared seal family, and these particular specimens have earned the affectionate nickname "chonkers" from the wildlife watchers who've been tracking them. They're light brown, short-snouted, and roughly the size of a small sedan. The regular California sea lions — themselves no lightweights — appear to have simply accepted the situation, which is honestly the most San Francisco response possible. As one local put it, "I wonder if they get along or if the sea lions are just like, let's not mess with the big guys."

Another SF resident offered perhaps the most relatable take of the week: "It just seems unfair that when I chonk out and lay around all day, I get called fat and lazy, but when sea lions do it they get called Stellar."

Fair point.

Here's what we actually appreciate about the Pier 39 sea lions, though: they're one of the few San Francisco attractions that cost taxpayers essentially nothing. No $4 million feasibility study. No blue-ribbon commission. No five-year implementation plan. The sea lions showed up in 1989, the Marina said "let them stay," and now they draw millions of tourists a year who spend money at Fisherman's Wharf. It's the free market in its purest, blubberiest form.

The arrival of Steller sea lions is actually somewhat notable from a wildlife perspective — they're less common this far into the Bay and tend to prefer colder, more northern waters. Whether this is a seasonal fluke or a sign of shifting patterns, it's worth watching.

In the meantime, if you haven't been down to Pier 39 in a while, it's worth the trip. Just don't try biking through Chinatown to get there.