Tourists risk it all for sea lion selfies, spark safety concerns
4:23 PM EDT, May 28, 2024
A video has surfaced online showing tourists getting dangerously close to sea lions, all in an attempt to take the perfect photo with them.
The video appeared on the Touronsofnationalparks profile on Instagram. It shows a group of sea lions resting on the beach while tourists gather to snap photos right before them.
A step away from disaster
At one point, a girl can be seen getting very close to the sleeping animals and squatting down to pose for a photo.
Soon after, another tourist took a similar position, waking the sleeping sea lions and scaring them. The animals suddenly stood up, causing panic among their companions. The girl was also scared and jumped back towards the group of tourists.
Although no one was hurt, this situation should be taken as a warning. Frightened animals could have attacked the curious girl and injured her with their teeth.
Tourists should keep a proper distance from animals
"My mum once witnessed a similar situation. A tourist from Germany wanted to take a picture of a walrus, so he kicked it to wake it up. Instead of a photo, he ended up with six holes in his leg from its teeth," we read in the comments under the shared post.
"This is ridiculous," commented someone else. "The park authorities should somehow fence off the area where these animals are located so that people cannot get so close," we read.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, you should stay a distance of at least 50–100 yards from sea lions and other marine mammals.
