They're baaaaack... Sea lions have returned in large numbers to San Carlos Beach. The City of Monterey has temporarily closed the beach to keep all humans and pinnipeds safe.
Everyone, please remember to enjoy the sea lions from a distance - they are large and can be territorial and unpredictable.
A reminder: all marine mammals, including sea lions, are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. People who harass, feed, capture, or kill any marine mammal could face a hefty fine or even jail time. It's their bay too.