What happens when hundreds of sea lions decide to take over a beach? That’s exactly what the residents of Monterey, California are experiencing right now.
San Carlos Beach is actually a popular place for people in the area. But after the unexpected invasion, the beach is more like Ballermann in high season – only with sea lions.
Sea lion invasion on the beach: Why are they actually there?
The female sea lions give birth to their babies in Southern California in May and June. After that, the males move further north for food sources, explains marine biologist Lisa Uttal. When they are not hunting, they also like to chill on the beach. But why have they gathered in such large numbers on this particular beach? That is not clear.
SWR3 reporter Nils Dampz took a look at the sea lion beach for us:
News 30.8.2024 “It looks like people vacationing on the Mediterranean beach in high season”
Duration 3:00 min
What happens when hundreds of sea lions decide to take over a beach? That’s exactly what the residents of Monterey, California are experiencing right now.
Beach ban for people – the sea lions now set the tone
SWR3 reporter Nils Dampz spoke to the city of Monterey. They say the beach will remain closed to people as long as the animals are still there. And that can take up to four weeks. A large beach next door is still open to people, however, and the sea lions apparently do not want to settle there.
Sea lions take a nap together on San Carlos Beach in Monterey.
picture alliance/dpa/FR171100 AP | Nic Coury
San Carlos Beach: Sea lions become a tourist attraction
Locals and tourists are currently coming to San Carlos Beach to watch the spectacle. Because let’s be honest: when do you ever see so many sea lions in one place?
But people who try to take selfies with the sea lions or feed them can expect severe penalties because they are protected animals. As the city reports, locals and tourists show understanding for the measures.
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How unusual is such a large gathering of sea lions?
Basically, it is normal for the sea lions to travel in groups and settle on a beach as they travel from south to north. At some point they migrate back again; this process takes place every year. The only question is when they will leave San Carlos Beach again.
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