As one of the more popular tourist destinations, California‘s wildlife often has to share the beaches with large crowds of humans. Well, it appears that some sea lions were not interested in coexisting with tourists. The animals seemed to have had enough visitors and chased people off the beach.
The incident took place in San Diego’s La Jolla Cove, which is specifically known for being home to sea lions. The prospect of seeing the animals in their natural habitat draws visitors in each year. However, the sea lions were clearly tired of hosting humans on their beach.
It seems that internet users agreed with the animals’ perspective. One person wrote, “Nature is healing.” Another echoed, “Not surprised. They must get sick of us.” A third person joked, “That has my official seal of approval.“
Many pointed out that the sea lions likely felt provoked. As one Redditor shared, “Good for them. I have been to this beach, and too often people get too close. There was one trying to feed its baby, and some people got within five feet of it. Let them chill.” Another, presumably, California local agreed, “Tourists are always [expletive] (messing) with the seals.“
Sadly, it seems those statements about tourists mistreating the wildlife are completely true. San Diego park rangers often need to warn people not to antagonize the sea lions on the beach. They give clear instructions about what to do – and what not to do – via megaphone in multiple languages.
Furthermore, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) specifically states that people should keep a distance of 150 feet from seals and sea lions at all times. This is just as much for humans’ safety as it is for the animals. These creatures are very large and strong, and they can get quite aggressive if they feel threatened in any way.
However, some people still prioritize their own desires over the creatures’ well-being. Locals often witness people getting too close to the sea lions in order to get photos, touching the animals, and even throwing sand at them in an attempt to provoke a reaction. The issue is so widespread that there are often talks of closing the beaches where sea lions frequent. However, tourists – and their money – frequent those very same spots, so that’s unlikely to occur.
Given how much the creatures are expected to tolerate when simply trying to relax on the beach, it’s understandable that they lost their cool and chased everyone away.
