Influx Of Sea Lions Closes Monterey Beach

MONTEREY, CA — San Carlos Beach has temporarily closed after sea lions returned to the Monterey shoreline just in time for Car Week, city officials said.

The beach serves as a resting point for sea lions traveling between breeding grounds in the Channel Islands and waters off Northern California, according to the city.

Officials are asking visitors to remain at least 150 feet away from the animals. Sea lions are federally protected, and harassing, pursuing, injuring or putting them at risk of injury is against the law.

The closure comes a year after an influx of sea lions prompted officials to close San Carlos Beach for seven weeks last August.

Anyone who encounters a sick, injured or abandoned sea lion, seal or sea otter can contact The Marine Mammal Center hotline at 415-280-7325.