Almost exactly a year ago, we featured a video of a sea lion scaring beachgoers at a popular San Diego beach. At the beginning of that video, you can hear a San Diego County lifeguard make a PA announcement saying: “Please give that large male sea lion plenty of room, they have bit people.” But in what seems to be a typical post pandemic response from humans, the warning fell on deaf ears.
It appears that people haven’t learned. Recently, another video went viral, this one of a sea lion charging onlookers getting too close to their pups. I’m not sure about you but I don’t want to go anywhere near a 600-pound animal that can run faster and hit harder than an NFL linebacker.
Lauren Bertrand posted the clip embedded below with the caption: “Visited La Jolla, CA this weekend to see the Sea Lions in their natural habitat and to learn more about these ‘protected’ ecosystems… the people were peopling and this big guy was NOT having it”
@lifelaurensway Visited La Jolla, CA this weekend to see the Sea Lions in their natrual habitat and to learn more about these ‘protected’ ecosystems… the people were peopling and this big guy was NOT having it ?#lajollasandiego #sandiego #sealions #protectouroceans #california #wildlife #travel #dumbtourists #peoplewatching ♬ Dumb Ways to Die – Tangerine Kitty
Between the comments on her social media account and news outlets that picked up the story, viewers aren’t amused:
Andrea L.: I will never understand why people dare to swim near them.
Marsha: That’s the big male..two beach girls got themselves in hot water last week.
Peter Martinez: The big ones just swim by the little ones are curious and get close in the water. I’ve been snorkeling there for years and they are chill unless you get too close
Denise: I’m from sd and I know not to go near them ?
Charles Bouaraba: Well done Sea Lions ! The Beach isn’t only for humans. It’s yours too ??
Lori Marie: People just need to respect the wildlife.
The San Diego Tribune also picked up the story and offers up some expert tips. Per the article, “now that we’re moving into the summer months, it’s very common for swimmers and beach-goers to encounter sea lions,” Michael Ruiz, chief park ranger for the city Parks & Recreation Department, said July 3. “With that, it is very important that you realize the ocean is their home. We want to encourage and educate people in the importance of staying away from sea lions in the water or if they encounter a mother and her pup on the beach. Give them space.”
To “enjoy [the animals] at a safe distance,” the city recommends that “if you are not swimming … stay up at the boardwalk,” Ruiz said. “You could have hundreds of people up there … watching the sea lions all day long. That is what we want. That still allows divers, swimmers and all those going into the water to enjoy themselves as well.”
The Tribune also points out that, “the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recommends viewing sea lions from a distance of at least 50 yards in the water and on land.”
Ruiz says, “If you are on the boardwalk [above La Jolla Cove], that is about 50 yards away. If you go down to the stairs, you are about 25 yards.”
KEEP READING:
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