A couple of very energetic sea lions were filmed chasing people at La Jolla Cove, causing chaos on a busy beach. The video went viral and showed the sea lions running through a crowd at La Jolla Cove, scaring everyone. However, experts say that the sea lions were not actually trying to harm the beachgoers.
Eric Otjen, who is the vice president of zoological operations at SeaWorld San Diego, explained that during the breeding season, which typically occurs from May to July, sea lions may be more active at Southern California’s beaches and coves. They establish territories, and smaller males might be seen running through crowds looking for a spot to breed, while larger males defend their territories.
Robyn Davidoff from the Sierra Club Seal Society mentioned that the sea lions’ breeding season coincides with the peak tourist season, leading to more interactions between people and sea lions. It is important to keep a distance from these animals and respect their space to avoid any incidents.
Federal guidelines require people to stay at least 50 yards away from sea lions to protect them. The city of San Diego emphasized that sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The La Jolla Parks and Beaches Association held a meeting to address the issue of sea lions taking over the beach, which has been a popular spot for various activities for over a century.
While some suggested finding ways to keep sea lions away from the area, others advocated for coexisting peacefully with the marine mammals. Signs have been posted in the area warning visitors to stay away from sea lions, especially during the birthing season.
This recent incident follows a previous occurrence where sea lions charged at a crowd. It is essential for both beachgoers and sea lions to respect each other’s space to avoid any conflicts. Awareness and education are key to ensuring the safety of both humans and sea lions at La Jolla Cove.