Sea lions invaded a San Diego beach last weekend, causing chaotic scenes among people on the Pacific Rim in La Jolla Cove.
A video obtained by CNN shows the animals storming the beach, forcing many people to move or even leave the area.
However, contrary to what the pictures might suggest, these animals do not seek to attack humans.
“You might think that sea lions are chasing people, but that's not the case at all,” Eric Oetjen, vice president of zoological operations at SeaWorld San Diego, told CNN.
He explains that at this time of year, sea lions are in pregnancy.
This coincides with the most touristic time of the year in this area.
“Almost all sea lions have a territory,” he says. The one seen running through the crowd may just be looking for a place to breed. Another one we see may be calling the beach his territory.
Therefore, authorities advise the public to keep their distance when a sea lion is nearby.
“Let them do what they have to do,” Mr. Otjen explains. That way, they don’t feel trapped by a group of people.
Watch the footage in the video above.
