Hundreds of sea lions take over popular tourist beach forcing closure to public

Hundreds of sea lions have taken over a popular tourist beach forcing officials to close the area to the public.

San Carlos Beach in Monterey was closed to locals on 21 August following the sea lion invasion.

To ensure people do not go on the beach, caution tape has been put up.

A City of Monterey government spokesman said: “Our beaches are a rest point for these sea lions between their breeding grounds in the Channel Islands and the waters of Northern California.

“They enjoy our beaches and the Monterey Bay as much as we do. Please remember to stay 150 feet back from the sea lions. They are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. For your safety and theirs, please exercise caution.”