A TikTok video showing dozens of San Diego beachgoers working and jumping out of the methodology of two mercurial-sharp sea lions has generated with regards to 10m views and sparked conversations about whether the mammals were going after americans and reclaiming picturesque La Jolla Cove’s narrow strip of sand.
However sea lion knowledgeable Eric Otjen of SeaWorld San Diego mentioned what he saw became as soon as long-established sea lion behavior for this time of yr, when males are sparring as breeding season gets underway.
Otjen mentioned the male flopping alongside at a mercurial-fire tempo as he darted around americans became as soon as fleeing from the assorted male closer to the water’s edge that became as soon as chasing him because they were likely combating over which females they’ll even bag. Both sea lions had substantial opportunities to attack americans but as a change barreled past them, he mentioned.
“He’s obtained swimmers all over him on his methodology support out, but they don’t anguish him. What that is all about is his correct to mate,” Otjen mentioned, in conjunction with: “This behavior is now not odd the least bit. The explanation the video has gotten address 10 thousands and thousands views is because all americans is working address Godzilla is chasing them.”
And with perfect reason, he added.
“It can presumably well presumably also demand humorous that all americans is working, but it’s now not a obnoxious different. You don’t are looking to be caught within the gruesome fire,” Otjen mentioned. “Despite the reality that they don’t chunk, it’s now not a massive feeling to accept as true with 200 to 300 kilos roll over you.”
In accordance to the Nationwide Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s pointers, americans can even silent address now not less than 50 ft (15 meters) away from sea lions, seals and various species safe by the Marine Mammal Safety Act.
Otjen mentioned for questions on behavior of the animals or to document a unwell or injured animal, americans can all SeaWorld’s hotline at 800-541-7325.