This viral TikTok video shows beachgoers in San Diego running around desperately trying to save themselves as two sea lions are seen running after them flapping their way. However, sea lion expert Eric Otjen of SeaWorld San Diego said what he saw was normal sea lion behavior for this time of year, when males are sparring as breeding season gets underway.
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A viral TikTok video shows beachgoers in San Diego running and jumping around as two fast-moving sea lions rush after them. The video has gone on social media platforms with more than 10 million views.
The video has also sparked a conversation about whether the mammals were going after people and reclaiming picturesque La Jolla Cove’s narrow strip of sand.
But sea lion expert Eric Otjen of SeaWorld San Diego said what he saw was normal sea lion behavior for this time of year, when males are sparring as breeding season gets underway.
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Otjen said the male flopping along at a rapid-fire pace as he darted around people were fleeing from the other male closer to the water’s edge that was chasing him because they were likely fighting over which females they could get.
He said that both the sea lions had multiple chances to attack people but instead they just barrelled past them.
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“He’s got swimmers all around him on his way back out, but they don’t bother him. What this is all about is his right to mate,” Otjen said, adding: “This behavior is not uncommon at all. The reason why the video has gotten like 10 millions views is because everybody is running like Godzilla is chasing them.”
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In fact, there was a good reason for it, he added.
“It may look funny that everybody is running, but it’s not a bad choice. You don’t want to be caught in the cross fire,” Otjen said. “Even if they don’t bite, it’s not a great feeling to have 200 to 300 pounds roll over you.”
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According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s guidelines, people should stay at least 50 ft (15 meters) away from sea lions, seals and other species protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Otjen also shared if people have questions on behavior of the animals or to report a sick or injured animal, people can all SeaWorld’s hotline at 800-541-7325.