Sea lions might look sweet, but they have a powerful bite and can be dangerous if agitated. They are also protected under federal law, so it's important to always give them plenty of space – unlike a group of beachgoers spotted in La Jolla, California recently. In a video shared online this week, the vacationers decided to stop beside a huge colony of sea lions basking on a beach, taking in turns posing for photos with the animals.
The sea lions tolerate this behavior for a while, but after a woman almost sits on one creature's nose they become distressed, barking and sending her running. The clip, which you can watch below, was shared this week via Instagram account , which calls out bad behavior at sites of natural beauty around the world. In California, sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, with overseeing their conservation.
"As humans interact more with seals and sea lions, they risk disturbing or injuring these animals," warns the government authority, for watching them safely and responsibly. "Animals may become stressed and repeated interruptions by you and others may be harmful to their health or cause abandonment. Bring your and enjoy them from a safe viewing distance to protect their health and yours.
" Sea lions also have a nasty bite, and like any other wild animal, they can lash out if they or their young are threatened. NOAA Fisheries specifically warns holidaymakers against trying to take selfies with the animals for this reason. "Th.
