In the age of selfies and social media, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of being close to wildlife and sharing photos. For seals and sea lions that rest on our beaches, close encounters with people can be harmful. Continued disturbances may interfere with important survival behaviors, or cause mothers to abandon their pups.
You’re too close to an animal if it starts to stare, fidget, or flee into the water. Even if you don’t see these reactions, keep yourself and your pets at least 100 yards (the length of a football field) from seals and sea lions to make sure you’re not disrupting important behavior, such as resting, feeding, nursing, or breeding.
Remember, it is a violation of federal law to harass seals and sea lions.
Share the shore with seals and sea lions. Bring your binoculars and enjoy them from a safe viewing distance to protect their health and yours.