Hundreds of California sea lions have taken over San Carlos Beach in Monterey, California, prompting local officials to close the area to the public.
California sea lions gather on San Carlos Beach, August 22, 2024. (Photo: Reuters).
Warning signs have been erected, but crowds are still drawn to this spectacular sight, capturing photos of the sea lions as they rest and play on the sand and in the water.
While sea lions are often seen at various beaches along the California coast, locals say they have never seen such a large gathering of sea lions in Monterey.
(Photo: Reuters).
Lisa Uttal, a marine biologist at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, mentioned that she is unsure why the sea lions chose San Carlos Beach, but they might be attracted by the rich diversity of food sources in the ecosystem. According to Uttal, almost all the sea lions gathered on the beach are male.
(Photo: Reuters).
“They migrate here from Ventura and the Channel Islands… They are extremely agile. They often chase after food, and since the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary has an abundance of food, the productivity is really high,” Uttal said.
Sea lions lounging on San Carlos Beach in Monterey, California. (Photo: Reuters).
Uttal added that the sea lions are expected to stay at San Carlos Beach for 3 to 4 weeks.
Marge Brigadier, a volunteer with the Bay Net program at the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, stated that sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, which prohibits people from altering their behavior, meaning that coming too close or forcing them to flee is considered a violation.
