Fake Willy To Get Tryout

Fake Willy has won a license to scare.

The National Marine Fisheries Service says the 16-foot fiberglass killer can go into Puget Sound near Seattle to test whether it scares sea lions.

A two-day test earlier this month tested the anchors and buoys that hold Fake Willy.

If the test next month shows it can scare off sea lions, Fake Willy may be installed near the Ballard Locks fish ladder in Seattle. Sea lions have been gathering there for years and have nearly wiped out a run of steelhead.

Other efforts to drive off the sea lions have failed, and the government gave approval last year to kill a few nuisance animals.

Radio station KISW raised money from listeners to buy Fake Willy in hopes of saving both steelhead and sea lions.