Hairy moment for this California cliff diver who mistook a sleeping sea lion for rock and got the scare of a lifetime.
The man dove from a popular cliff diving spot at La Jolla Cove in San Diego, California and was clambering his way up the steep cliffside using all available rocks for handholds when one suddenly came alive.
What appeared to be a wet rock at first glance turned out to be a napping California Sea Lion. While California sea lions are usually not aggressive toward humans, they are wild animals and can bite or lunge if they feel threatened, startled, or are protecting space.
Marine mammals are protected by California State and Federal laws such as the Marine Life Protection Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act and it is unlawful to harass or disturb sea lions but in this case it appears to have been a genuine case of mistaken identity, you can see the man apologize before making his hasty and painful escape.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recommends maintaining at least 100 yards from seals and sea lions. However, it is more important to pay attention to the animals’ behavior (you’ll know you’re too close if an animal starts to stare, fidget, vocalize at you, or flee into the water). Even from a distance, sea lions and seals may become disturbed if they are downwind from you or your pets, so it’s important to look out for agitated behavior to minimize any possible impact you may have.
Thankfully the man did not look too worse for wear and the sea lion only suffered a rude awakening from an afternoon snooze.
