Why Sea Lions ATTACK? A Marine Biologist Explains

[@KPassionate]

UPDATE: It seems my observation was correct. The person who posted the original video told NBC San Diego that she started filming after seeing a woman get just a few feet away from a sleeping sea lion in order to take a photograph. Link in the descriptions.

[@josemarquez4760]

Pls keep up the good work. I’m definitely a fan.

[@KPassionate]

@@josemarquez4760 thank you!

[@mariog8067]

I am not surprised. I have seen this kind of misbehaving by people here in Monterey California where people think the seal lions are some aquatic "playful dog."

[@vivianafagerstedt8528]

Animal abuse and in a way child abuse... I am so happy that my father always encourage me to not be afraid of animals, but to respect animals. He taught me how to appreciate animal life, on a respectful distance. Something I thought was same for every parent... but I was wrong. Such an important video, I will have to share it! Thanks for making this video!

[@KPassionate]

Thank you for watching and sharing!

[@therealDawnBarton]

The girl that got dragged in was at an aquarium? I guess that may be what gave the parents a false sense of security. Those places let u buy food to feed the animals, u should never feed them in the wild but don't these animals get all their food from humans? If the aquarium let's ppl this close to the animals I'm surprised this doesn't happen daily. Sry, I was trying to comment but all I could do is reply for some reason. This isn't really directed at u, I thought it was Kp's comment.

[@fleurpouvior2967]

It makes sense to me now, why my mom didn't let me swim with them as a kid. They seemed super friendly, and would come up and 'boop' my hand if i held it over the water, and at 4 or 5, i just thought they wanted me to swim with them. Mom was very quick to order me back up onto the rocks, and away from my new wild sealion buddies.

[@mlem6951]

This. As a kid you can't really say if it's bad or not. You are just a kid who wants to explore the World. But as a parent, as a adult, you probaly should know that wild animals are animals, heck, animals are animals. NOt just wild animals. I hate it when people just come up to me, while i walk my dog and pet it whitout asking or anything. People can be so freaking stupid xx.

[@fleurpouvior2967]

@@mlem6951 that's one my mom deepley instilled into my brain. Never touch or approach someone's dog without permission. I love dogs, and want to pet all of them and give them all the kisses and cuddles. But that can be dangerous, and for my, and the puppers safety, always ask first. I'm in my 30's now, and deeply grateful to my mom for enforcing that from the time I was a toddler. She has always been a smart cookie

[@chyvaelry]

Anyone who has seen sea lions take over a buoy or a boat at anchor knows exactly how big they are. Why people would think getting close to them is a good idea is quite beyond me. Thanks for your work!

[@KPassionate]

I know right!!! What is going through peoples heads

[@zenitsuagatsuma9076]

@@KPassionate too much Disney I guess

[@jmr9856]

If people can try selfies with Bison at Yellowstone (and they are nuts), I'm not surprised at this lol. I guess they think since Sea Lions have flippers, that they can't move too quickly, so very good point you made about them being faster on land than we are! The marine theme park shows, too, make animals look like friendly mascots and pets. Not sure why people blank out the hundreds or thousands of hours it takes to train and care for them, but that is a whole other topic. It is great you are putting these videos out to help people understand wild animals better. Thank you!

[@KPassionate]

Thanks for watching!

[@MooMan1374]

Thank you! This video should go viral as a PSA! I used to work at a large yoga resort in New England and got word one day that a bunch of people had cornered a female Black Bear and her cubs in order to take pictures. We called the police. By the time the police officer showed up, the mama bear had her cubs treed and was mock charging the people. For some dim reason, they were not leaving her alone. The police officer had a shotgun and she screamed at the people while cocking the gun. "You fu*king idiots get away from that bear! If she atacks you I have to shoot her, but I would rather shoot you!" Thankfully no one got shot, but the dream world that a surprising number of people live in is... concerning.

[@KPassionate]

Whoa. That’s a scary situation!

[@らいどう-c5m]

Interesting… he rather shoot the humans? Maybe he should have just said he rather shoot no one. Those people were ignorant but to suggest wanting to shoot them instead… that seems wrong to me.

[@KPassionate]

@@らいどう-c5m yeah it’s excessive for sure

[@MooMan1374]

@@らいどう-c5m Well, she was/is a small female cop who was known for being aggressive and those people were very stupid. Their ignorance was a direct and immediate threat to that mother and her children. So... now they have a story to tell about their trip 🙂

[@henrimatisse7481]

did you see the parents holding their child while gored by a bison? The child flipped out of the way. I don't think the parent was hurt much since after being tossed they went back to get their cell phone! A calm person lead the bison away spraying something from a can, a pheromone?

[@peanutsmom4785]

Hi KP! Very interesting! I saw the article of recent events in Hawaii where a woman was charged / attacked by a Hawaiian Monk Seal that was nursing her pup. According to the article, she had ignored warning signs and ropes that cordoned off the area. Then, after seeing the examples you discussed in your video, I'm even more angered that adults would similarly put children in harm's way. Like many, I just wonder "why?" Are they so used to seeing animals under human care in very protected / controlled environments that they assume the conditions would be as safe in the wild? That an animal in the wild that may be close or accessible would also somehow be as tempered and safe to approach? The human thought process is fascinating - I just cannot even imagine being on a pier or at a beach and making the decision to feed or attempt to get close to wild animals. As always, thank you for sharing your research, education, and experience! (Peanut's Mom).

[@RomanyGypsy92]

I was actually at La Jolla the week after that happened and unfortunately the spot in the video is a very popular swimming/snorkeling/kayaking spot and the area is surrounded by sea lions. They have barriers and signs on the cliffs to keep people away and people working, including a lifeguard station but all it takes is a sea lion going for a swim or tourists being invasive and yep... this happens.

[@KPassionate]

That’s so unfortunate. Thanks for sharing that info!

[@nannettefreeman7331]

I used to go to a doctor whose office was near there, ages ago when I was a kid, around 7-8, so nearly 50 years ago, & the sea lions were there back then too, not all the time, but often enough. The place was NEVER anywhere as crowded as it is here in this video, though. There was a 100yr old man who swam the mile out to the buoy & back every single day, & HE was the one who impressed upon me that I should NEVER approach the sea lions. Even he hesitated to get in the water when they were present & active, & he did this every single day! You'd think they'd get used to him after a while. I tried this logic with him, & he explained that these were wild animals, & that there was no level of "getting used to" a person's presence that would make them behave in any other way than as animals in the wild. It was really the only serious conversation I ever had with the old guy, so that certainly underscored the gravity of its message. Ordinarily, he had jokes, hilariously corny jokes, like "When is a door not a door? When it's ajar." Top shelf Cracker Jack material. I wonder what ever happen to that old man. I mean, obviously he's long dead by now, but I wonder what his story was...🤔 Well, off to find that 🕳 rabbit hole! ✌🏼

[@brightsparky7657]

I shouldn’t be surprised but some people take stupidity up to an art form 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@KPassionate]

Honestly tho!

[@shannonessig5959]

When my sweet, fluffy indoor cat sees an outdoor stray approaching the window screen she's sunning herself in... and she gets scared/angry/territorial... and her tail floofs out and is hissing... I know NOT to approach her, because even though she is "domesticated" and "habituated to humans" she is still dangerous AF with her teeth and claws. I know her well. Brought her home as a kitten. But even when she's purring and lying prone for a tummy scratch for the kajillionth time, I still pay attention to her physical cues that let me know when she's agitated or overstimulated. Because... teeth and claws. I grew up with horses and cows and chickens and ducks and turkeys... Most of them were pets. Domesticated. Habituated. But they could all be dangerous. And they could all be a**holes. So when I see people and their kids effing with bison or bears or whales or whatever, with big dumb isn't-this-so-cool smiles on their faces, I think: That is a bad idea. But you know, play stupid games, win stupid prizes. Good luck with that. Great video! Thank you!

[@KPassionate]

Any animal can be dangerous in the wrong situation! Thanks for watching!

[@minii7552]

That little girl getting pulled into the water, my heart stopped. Why, oh why, do people think they live in a Disney movie? No, the sea lion won't lick your child's cheek and then they snuggle and hug. No, the bear won't pick a flower and put it in your hand. They will bite you. Are they cute? You will be cutely bitten, so you can go get a ride on the adorable ambulance. It's so so sooo frustrating.

[@KPassionate]

It enrages me 😂

[@rsharpy24uk]

I hadn’t seen that sea lion pulling the kid in before but as soon as I saw her fingers over the edge I thought oh no and tensed up I knew what was coming 🙈

[@KPassionate]

So scary!

[@blobbertmcblob4888]

My cousin got seal finger from being bitten by a sea lion in California after she took up residence on his beach towel. It's nasty stuff and takes WEEKS to get rid of.

[@KPassionate]

Oh my gosh! Yeah its a mess!

[@IronWolfArts]

I absolutely share your rage at those parents. It’s a fucking wild animal, not a petting zoo! They got sooooo lucky the seal found the child more of an annoyance than a threat otherwise it would have been MUCH worse! Like, I enjoy taking photos of wild animals or selfies with them- but I keep my distance! Not just for the animal’s comfort, but my safety as well! Now I’ve been approached by a juvenile sea lion before on vacation at the beach. (My phone unfortunately died otherwise I would have been recording because it was so cool). He was just curiously ambling over, so I didn’t feel threatened (I’ve been watching a lot of Ocean Conservation Namibia videos) and learned that seals rather run from something instead of attack it- only charging should they feel it’s the only choice (those videos also told me they can be EXTREMELY strong!). I didn’t make any sudden movements and just talked to him in a light voice. He kinda swayed on his front flippers and gave me a look over before coming closer to sniff my leg. I wanted to pet him so badly 😂 but he was a wild animal. So I just kept kinda talking to him until he satisfied his curiosity about me and continued over to a large outcropping of rocks where a few adult sea lions were hanging out. It was an awesome experience. But the seal approached ME and I did not touch it. People should NEVER approach a wild animal and most certainly NEVER try to touch it!! At least in this context. When people try to help animals get unstuck from feces or pull a jar off their head, I tend to be thankful for them. But that is hugely different from trying to touch a wild animal or take a selfie with it because you think it’s “cool”. 😖 And I think the main reason people do these things is because there isn’t enough animal education and too many friendly kid cartoons. Seals are usually depicted as cute, friendly, cuddly creatures in media like movies, shows, art and books, while carnivores that eat larger animals or have attacked humans before are seen as ‘obviously dangerous’. People don’t realize that just because seals only eat fish, doesn’t mean they can’t cause serious injury to a human. Nearly every animal in existence can cause some kind of injury to a human if provoked. From a large Tiger right down to a basic dormouse. PS- sorry I keep leaving full on novels in the comments of your videos 😂😭

[@KPassionate]

Hahaha you keep writing those novels! Yes education is really the anastomoses almost everything it seems.

[@frankdillard2522]

I was probably about 7, I was at Tamarack Beach in North San Diego county with my uncle who was surfing at the time. I noticed a sea lion on the northern SDG&E jetty, so I was like, kewl let's have a closer look. As I got closer the sea lion was watching closely as I approached. Then I felt a hand on my shoulder as my uncle yanked me backwards cursing and reading me the riot act for approaching any wild animal. So glad he was watching.

[@KPassionate]

Hahaha props to your uncle! Thanks for sharing

[@joyofcookies]

I worked in Yosemite as a baker and had to go through a wild animal seminar. The only animal related deaths recorded within the park were all deer. A lot of that was car accidents, but there were so many from people trying to pet the deer and getting gored. No wildlife is your friend!

[@KPassionate]

Oh man I’ve seen some videos of vicious deer attacks. Every animal has the potential to be dangerous

[@kearstinnekenerson6676]

I’m feeling the same way as you on the obvious aggression I have for a long time not understood why people do this

[@KPassionate]

It is so wild to me!

[@kearstinnekenerson6676]

@@KPassionate no I love taking picks of wild life but you can get amazing pics from a distance and the only things I ever really catch is frogs toads and garter snakes always put them right back. I found a local population of mostly melanistic garters close to my house.

[@KPassionate]

@@kearstinnekenerson6676 wow that’s super cool!

[@Mordeiv]

When she was actually pulled by the Sea Lion, I was terrified. That kid didn't deserve that .

[@Blazdragon34]

This is basically the equivalent of just trying to enjoy a nice sunny day sunbathing and all of a sudden someone keeps coming close to you for a picture. Of course you’ll be annoyed. It’s like this for these sea lions.

[@maureencimochowski824]

Personally I consider myself to be an animal lover but never would I encroach on their personal space. What happened to common sense?

[@rsharpy24uk]

I think we lost common sense some time around the 90’s 😂

[@KPassionate]

I know right!

[@neilcook4686]

The problem with 'common sense' is that it's not very common anymore

[@KPassionate]

@@neilcook4686 definitely seems that way

[@borntobebroken]

its a relief to hear another level headed voice

[@RoseProseFroze]

Petition to rename Sea Lions to "Sea Bears" or "Sea Grizzlies" so that people get the point and stop treating them like trained doggos... Though you think the "Lion" would be enough of a warning... Edit: apparently people have tried this with Grizzlies, hope in humanity is dwindling.

[@overwhelmtoempowerment9974]

People are so stupid sometimes. Putting a child within biting reach of a wild animal is asking for trouble. And yes, I have seen videos of stupid people trying to get a selfie with a grizzly bear. Also, there was a video going around a few years ago of a guy on a park safari who got out of his car to pet a lion and it didn't end well.

[@KPassionate]

Oh I think I saw that one!

[@IsitheScribe]

'Nothing fuels my white hot rage more than parents putting their children in horrifying and scarring situations.' Preaching to the choir sister. I used to work at London Zoo and I can tell you that the folks I told off who were doing dumb, ignorant things to the animals were usually people who were old enough to know better and it made my blood boil.

[@KPassionate]

People get crazy at zoos! Like they somehow think the laws of gravity no longer apply and the entire place must be childproof with an abundance of babysitters working there or something. It’s wild

[@splatninja9447]

I think the problem is people look at seals and sea lions and sea cute "water puppies." So they're lulled into a false sense of security.

[@karlaj.8525]

It is like the people in Texas sitting their kids in a field of Blue Bell flowers to take their pictures. There are photos showing that their are rattlesnakes in those fields. Getting bit by a rattlesnake is very serious. The cost of anti-venom alone is staggering and insurance does not pay much if anything towards the cost.

[@KPassionate]

Oh wow hadn’t heard of that. But low key anti venom and health care should just be free 😔

[@ashondealexander5228]

People do stupid things but nature pays the price instead it's 😢 how animals get blamed but humans should be the ones getting blame

[@SaskiaSketches]

I will never understand the disconnect. How does harassing wild animal = dangerous not compute with people? Even small animals that don’t seem dangerous at first, like, idk, a squirrel. You don’t want to get bit by it, either! Not only will it hurt, I bet those bites can cause nasty infections too. I guess some animals just look so cute that people think it’ll act in a cute way as well? I really can’t wrap my mind around it, just don’t bother animals.

[@KPassionate]

Even domesticated dogs can be dangerous too!

[@SaskiaSketches]

Absolutely!!! There’s far too many people treating their dogs like toys for their children and it results in far too many bites. Also adults not knowing how to interact with a dog get themselves bit, it happens way too often.

[@laurluvs2bowl]

Great video as usual KP and Double AND you even manage to put my favorite dancing sea lion clip in the beginning?? Bonus awesome points for you!

[@maliahzaidi2928]

Some people think that all animals are cuddly toys, that for sure will understand that it’s a small kid…. Poor child… abusive parents.

[@らいどう-c5m]

People who say stuff like “natural selection” when it comes to make people mistakes are heartless. I’m especially saddened that there are those who believe the child deserved it… Kids obviously don’t know any better, it’s all on the parents who teach them this type of stuff is okay. Sometimes why I wonder why some of us care so little for our own species… it’s honestly pretty f’d up how little we value human life.

[@henrimatisse7481]

wahhh! See Joel Moodie's comment. And why do people run away from a teeny cockroach but corner a mama bear? It's not knowing who they are in the world

[@youdj_app]

So interesting as usual!!! Merci!! :)

[@Dumpsterfiregrace]

In Hawaii if you have a local in a red tee-shirt tell you to move to another area of the Beach, Do it. They're not just protecting the seals, they're protecting you when you're stupid enough to bother seals.

[@KPassionate]

I didn’t know this! Are they volunteers?

[@Dumpsterfiregrace]

@@KPassionate Yes one of my friends in Hawaii posted about this whole thing on Tiktok just the other day. 😊 When I get home I can give you her @ or tag you on there if you'd like. 💜

[@KPassionate]

@@Dumpsterfiregrace sure!

[@Dumpsterfiregrace]

@@KPassionate nevermind lol found you there! Lol I'll tag you when I get it.(I'm Dumpsterfiregrace) Love your face hun and keep up the amazing work 💜

[@annemiekvandorp4457]

Great advice! Worldwide more and more people seem to think our globe is one big SeaWorld/Disneyland.

[@kumabear3529]

I was always told NEVER to feed a wild animal.

[@LuckyBaldwin777]

Never feed anything bigger than a raccoon. Except for the wild burros in Beatty, Nevada. They're very friendly and if you call to one it'll come over and stick its head in your truck window. They like carrots.

[@KPassionate]

@LuckyBaldwin777 never feed wild animals period. It results in their death. Full stop

[@LuckyBaldwin777]

​@KPassionate Not true. I have 10 little desert cottontail rabbits that I feed. I've been feeding them for years and they're all happy and healthy. You say that's wrong. I say the love I show those little animals is right. Guess we'll just have to let God decide which one of us is right.

[@KPassionate]

@@LuckyBaldwin777 I have bad news for you 😂

[@LuckyBaldwin777]

​@@KPassionate what's that?

[@AlyRoad]

The people who go to the La Jolla "Children's Beach" are insensitive to the seals there and sometimes abusive. The Children's beach in La Jolla, CA is a place the seals go at certain times of the year. The locals don't mind the seals but the visitors hate them. The going argument in La Jolla from the visitors is that it's their beach so they can do what they want and if the City doesn't like it then get ride of the seals. Its an infuriating thing to hear and frustrating. A drunk couple got charged for endangering a juvenile seal by sitting on it. I don't understand people at all.

[@KPassionate]

Omg I don’t know who needs to hear this but "stop 👏 sitting 👏 on 👏 wildlife 👏" Ugh!

[@TheFreshPrinceOfSaiyans]

People not realizing we are invading their space, their homes, their environment, and then getting baffled when they protect themselves and their territory, will always confuse me. I wish people would just respectfully observe from a distance. 😢

[@KPassionate]

Couldn’t agree more!

[@SylviaRath-w1o]

I swim in La Jolla Cove every year. Sometimes sea lion pups swim up to me and seem to want to play. I never chase it and I keep my hands close to my body. Basically, I respect their space. If a bull jumps in the water swim out of the way. This is their beach and ocean so we need to be respectful. I think they should close the beach when it gets too crowded. Give it back to the sea lions.

[@PeaceSeeker005]

People don't know how dangerous cute animals can be

[@JasonSmith-ej2fg]

Hey KP, I know alligator bites are biological nightmares, among other things. But had no idea seals were the same, so far as to have its own name "seal finger". I agree with you 100%, people are getting way to familiar with wild animals actually thinking they have a relationship - moronic.

[@bruceleealmighty]

Thanks for the rundown on these . . . . eh . . . people. Although you may have subscribed to Casual Geographic, I for one think you are enlightening, funny and entertaining.

[@Keff170882]

"Me wants likes on facebook, Me gonna putting my children on top of wild predator, me gonna takes good pikture and gets many blu thumbs!" People can be very stupid!

[@mariag.8242]

In Jasper National Park I actually saw a guy with his kids outside their car trying to approach a grizzly WITH CUBS. The bear managed to round up her kids and get back into the forest - and this moron told his son, around 8 years old, to “go the other way” and chase them back toward the man and the other 2 kids. We were on the far side of the road in the car with windows up but when I saw that I lowered the window and shouted at him that his kids were in danger, get back in your car! Fortunately the bears were gone and none of them was harmed. As you come into those parks Wardens tell you not to leave your car when lucky enough to see any wild animals, and provide some printed information in simple language about why. Apparently there’s a level of dumb that nothing but a tragic experience will cure - and then the animal is killed for defending her cubs 🤬🤬🤬 Edit for typo

[@KPassionate]

Wow that is wild. I cannot understand this behavior

[@rashawnthegamingmaster8620]

All seals are dangerous wild animals that need to be respected if you go near one expect to be bitten

[@redguard2529]

Wild animals do not know we have declared ourselves to be at the top of the food chain.

[@toddellner5283]

They're half-ton predators. Why would you go anywhere near them?

[@KPassionate]

This is a great question hahahaha

[@lemmetalkaboutthis]

Listen. What baffles me is they're called Sea LIONS. Nobody would do this stuff if they saw a lion in the wild either ffs??

[@joshuaokoro-sokoh2993]

Even in Sea lion shows in Dubai they tell you to be very careful around them especially when you are interacting with them and it's a controlled interaction by the handler.

[@KPassionate]

I think the vast majority of people don't have great listening skills hahaha

[@lennarthagen3638]

Those shows are fuckin cruel

[@mom.left.me.at.michaels9951]

"The consequences of our own actions are chasing us down the dock" that made me laugh hard enough to hit the subscribe button! As sad as I am to say it: Bears aren't even scary enough anymore. There's a KLR voice over of someone high five-ing a WILD BEAR on the road. In the voice over there bears are actually saying something like "get away from the humans you're gonna get shot!"

[@KPassionate]

Hahaha I’m glad I’m not the only one who I make laugh 😂

[@taylorflyyhigh]

I went to a place in La Jolla where a bunch of sea lions were hanging out, might be the same area. I remember thinking it was ridiculous the city let the people get so close and invade their personal space. It was dangerous and everyone who had a couple drinks in them was trying to touch them

[@KPassionate]

It is so incredible how little respect people have for these animals!

[@martianmurray]

Are you sure they weren’t just inquiring about their cars extended warranty

[@Blackman20102011]

I knew for a fact this happened at La Jolla Cove. This place is known for having exotic wildlife such as Sea Lions. I always kept my distance, still a beautiful beach.

[@nannettefreeman7331]

I used to go to a doctor whose office was near there, ages ago when I was a kid, around 7-8, so nearly 50 years ago, & the sea lions were there back then too, not all the time, but often enough. The place was NEVER anywhere as crowded as it is here in this video, though. There was a 100yr old man who swam the mile out to the buoy & back every single day, & HE was the one who impressed upon me that I should NEVER approach the sea lions. Even he hesitated to get in the water when they were present & active, & he did this every single day! You'd think they'd get used to him after a while. I tried this logic with him, & he explained that these were wild animals, & that there was no level of "getting used to" a person's presence that would make them behave in any other way than as animals in the wild. It was really the only serious conversation I ever had with the old guy, so that certainly underscored the gravity of its message. Ordinarily, he had jokes, hilariously corny jokes, like "When is a door not a door? When it's ajar." Top shelf Cracker Jack material. I wonder what ever happen to that old man. I mean, obviously he's long dead by now, but I wonder what his story was...🤔 Well, off to find that 🕳 rabbit hole! ✌🏼

[@marymacphail728]

People need to remember it's a WILD animal, not a toy or pet!! Parents please educate your kids. Thks KP 💕🍷🍷

[@KPassionate]

Thanks for watching!

[@megaorochi3897]

You noticed the Sea lion skull resembles a Bear skull

[@willowen1807]

Well with the beach scene I'm gonna have to vote for No Shoes.

[@brandonbreaux1296]

Only to satiate my curiosity, do you think it’s reckless to dive anywhere near marine mammals then? I honestly wouldn’t dream of it, but I’ve seen it enough. One particular example that come to mind is a certain photographer from National Geographic (I forget their name) diving in Antarctica and encountering a particularly “friendly” leopard seal. It makes me wonder how anyone can dive and not go into panic from the thought alone that at any given moment you could turn around and come face to face with a predator as big or bigger than the biggest bear. *shudder*

[@KPassionate]

I definitely don’t agree with purposefully swimming very close to marine mammals. Not only can it be dangerous it is also stressful for the animals. I think Nat geo and other professional organizations can be given an exception as they get special permits and are using the footage for educational purposes in general. Researchers get a similar pass in my book

[@fjeldfross9327]

I remember this, the fotographer told his story ..He was scared to death,but wanted to continue...and the female Leopard Seal tried to Feed him a Penguin? Several Times? He spoke about it with very dry wit, and it was awe- inspiring and somewhat hilarious in retroperspective, but in this Moment...He must have been terrified. The Seal came to him. These fotographers and researchers are incredibly Brave, and doing more for our knowledge and henceforth compassion for Wildlife then any Zoo or Park could dream of

[@yakuza01]

@@fjeldfross9327 I think the big difference is that these researchers/photographers are are aware (or I at least hope, they would be) that these are potentially very dangerous situations and need to have their guard up at all times, being fully conscious of the animal's behavior (even if things seem to be going well) to make sure that they are not causing any boundaries that could provoke any aggressive actions.

[@borntobebroken]

awesome video really good

[@ponyrang]

Wow... My best friend, Nice video... Beautiful place Enjoy watching this video... Have a nice day.

[@KPassionate]

Thank you! You too!

[@gvsrhiee6417]

I live that region and boat (kayake and motor) those waters frequently. There are three fisheries in the immediate vicinity of the dock in which the little girl was attacked. The fish boats often toss guts and "junk fish" right into the water where there are always a number of critters waiting to snatch them up. Unfortunately its a big issue inherint to the location. Edit: by "that region" i mean Steveston

[@rangerslayer2260]

We really need to re-educate the population about observing wild animals at a distance. This is utterly ridiculous. I'm an animal lover, even I would have enough cop on to keep a safe distance from wild animals.

[@alibutterfly82]

Wow, I had never considered the color of animal teeth being other than white = high bacterial presence before, but it makes total sense. Honestly... that kind of makes a bite from ANY wild animal seem that much more terrifying than it already would be. I think you're right though, people think they are forging some kind of bond with an animal and then anthropomorphizing thoughts kick in - "the animal likes me, it wants to spend time with me," etc. When in actuality, you are right, they just want proximity to you for food. And the bigger/more dangerous this animal is, the more problematic that line of action becomes for the humans involved (typically). I like to leave out seeds/rabbit pellets on the deck for the woodland critters in my yard, but if I wanted to go out there and try and socialize more with a squirrel or a bunny or a chipmunk, it couldn't pull me off the deck and crack my head open in the process (realistically, if I even try opening the door when they're out there though, they scatter). If there was a BEAR in my yard... there's not going to be any attempts at socialization, there's going to be me staying in the house - I recognize and respect the power of that animal vs. myself. Another thing that's kind of crazy to me about the girl sitting on the seal is, like... how did the parents realistically even think that would end any other way than it did? If some other creature came and sat on YOU, would YOU be happy/docile about it and just let it happen or would you fight to get that thing off of you? It's like people fail to take into account that animals need to be given at least SOME modicum of respect as well. I wonder if this is primarily a "western" problem, though. I've seen footage of several zoo/wildlife park facilities in Japan, and they often let people get very close to the animals - a few in particular have capybara enclosures where they are just free roaming and can come up to people for scratches and such if they want. Even when I see small children in those areas, never are they chasing after the animals or being loud or what have you - they're treating the animals respectfully, either not touching them at all or gently touching them only if they are directly approached first and then moving on. So I wonder if it's a cultural thing.

[@KPassionate]

It will never not blow my mind that people think they should be near large wild animals 😂

[@thenerdygirlnextdoor314]

I am passionate about photographing nature, especially animals, and I think that what I have observed over the past years is exactly what happens in these cases. The next time you go to a touristy location, especially if there are some photos being shared again and again from there, take a moment to watch people. More often than not, it's all about getting that same shot from this place and anything that is not related to this is not really taken in (i.e., on the walk to a spot from which thousands of people have taken an image). I feel like nature is not really seen as this wonderful sphere that encompasses all life, but as a commodity to be consumed when and as we like it. Yes, obviously I would also love to have a great photo of a sea lion at a beach, but I would never get anywhere near close enough for the animal to really be bothered by me - I want to capture an animal behaving ideally as if I wasn't there (that's why I have spent enough money on lenses that allow me to appreciate them from a distance). In my opinion (based solely on what I have observed), people lack a meaningful connection to nature. Which is a shame, because there are so many wonderful things to learn about the world around us.

[@TerraMassakin]

Just by the gods I do not understand how ANYONE can think sitting on a wild predator would be a good idea. And thank you KP for the useful information regarding the potential for infections from sea lion bites, and also the fact that they are essentially water grizzlies. I see seals compared to being water dogs a lot on social media, which may contribute to peoples willingness to get close to them and try to take selfies.

[@KPassionate]

I think its fun to call them water doggos but I apparently had too much faith in humanity for thinking that they wouldn't actually think of them as dogs. But also...you should NEVER sit on a strange dog on the street either!!! hahahaha

[@TerraMassakin]

@@KPassionate pfffft I mean that would make a lot of sense, but people always find new ways to surprise us with their ignorance.

[@corydalton7135]

I had no idea about the increased infection potential. I would have assumed the risk was the same between land/sea animals. The way I see it, if you put "sea" before any mammal the more awe inspiring they are. Like wolverines vs sea otters. A wolverine is a magnificent beast, but compared to the sea otter...meh. I spent time in LaJolla and remember the sea lions nibbling on my fins. The human to mammal interaction there is totally unsat. If an animal knows you are there observing, you have failed. I love using binos, telephoto lenses, and telescopes (questar!) for that reason.

[@KPassionate]

Yes pinniped bites are definitely worse than some other animals. Probably the fishy diet!

[@NeverMetTheGuy]

What a fun channel! I'm curious how quickly you're going to hit 100k? My guess is by New Year.

[@KPassionate]

My goal was by the end of the year! Thanks for watching and following along 😊

[@fjeldfross9327]

Saw similar reckless human behaviour on an island on the german northsea. The harbour seals/Sea dogs there cant run, they are very slow and shy, and they use the beach to rest after the hunt..there are sign everywhere to stay away of them, but people just cant leave them alone. The seals are fast to flee back into the water and usually wont bite, but they wont get the rest they need and for sure they would bite, if anybody would be stupid enough to touch or corner them. I got so furious watching this. There are many grey seals as well- sometimes i wonder if people would harass these Seals, too, if they came onto the beach.. our harbour seals are looking like little cuddly plushies, but a grey seal is far more intimitading. I am so sorry for the children. Parents shouldnt be so stupid to endanger Kids and animals like this.

[@KPassionate]

People don’t realize how much stress that puts on an animal that needs to save all of its energy in order to survive. This stuff drives me nuts!

[@harmonford6886]

The same type of people that get Buffaloed at Yellowstone

[@KPassionate]

It’s gotta be!

[@03snafubar31]

People forget that we are still part of a food chain. Anyone caught in a wild animals crosshairs probably deserves what's coming.

[@Dirty_Squirrell]

That seal could have f'd up grandpa. They were both lucky. People, it's not a cute Japanese fake pet video. That is a wild animal. Stop it.

[@megsley]

personally, I think all the videos that wildlife rescue folks post of them snuggling with wild animals that now live in their home (I'm looking at you, mountain lion is just a big house cat video!) help drive this huge misunderstanding that wild animals just want to snuggle and if you're nice towards them then the animals will be your friend.

[@ArtsyFarm]

We put all this work in making a high powered zoom in cameras on your phone, but yet we feel the need to get as close as possible to get a picture. and we try and get closer ever year... we have the technology to put you anywhere you wanted to be in a photo with anything, so why put yourself or family in danger? Its bad for you, the animal, everyone and everything involved.

[@davidortega357]

People need to give sea lions there space leave them alone give them respect or go to another beach

[@KPassionate]

Agreed

[@drowningpooralice5505]

When I was 16, a mate of mine, and myself, came upon a Sea Lion lying on the beach, completely alone, there weren't any other's around. A park ranger came by and told us it had been darted and medicated, and it was likely dying. We spent the day drawing pictures around her, and played music for her and using a vaporizer, smoked happy "kelp" with her. The next morning, we came back to do it again, we arrived in time, to see her entering the ocean. She saw us and came halfway towards us and smiled. I realize I'm anthropomorphizing an animal, but she smiled. She returned to the ocean and I'm positive we saved her life, by giving her the munchies.

[@RichardGeiszler]

It's not just people being stupid with marine animals. I grew up near a wildlife refuge in Oklahoma which had herds of bison and feral longhorn cattle. You would often see people walking out to get near them. Being on foot and spooking a bison or feral, horned cattle is a very bad idea.

[@mzcyberbat]

Years ago at school we went swimming with Australian sealions. We were told specifically NOT to go near any one on the beach. That's where they rest. They don't want you near them. In the water they will come up to look at you and then swim away quickly.

[@kellybetts2167]

Thanks for the educated info

[@KPassionate]

Any time!

[@henrimatisse7481]

visiting La Jolla one year maybe 2014 there was a controversy over the use of the beach seals vs humans. People conclude that "might makes right" over these beautiful creatures tha God made for us to enjoy. And the beach was way more crowded in that video than in 2014 so folks that make babies, watch out, there will no place on a beach for yo kids

[@nannettefreeman7331]

I remember this beach, like, 46-47 years ago & it wasn't crowded at all. Maybe that was because I was always there in the middle of the day on a weekday (I saw a doctor whose office was nearby). Anyhow, the sea lions were there way back then. Not always, but often enough. It's a lovely cove with some tidal pools part of the day, a great place for kids to RESPECTFULLY learn about sea creatures. It would be a shame if a few idiots ruined that for future generations. ✌🏼

[@emcaco]

I think there are a couple of animal parks in Japan (possibly other countries as well?) where people can go feed wild animals and interact them. I know that ones exist for deer, foxes and rabbits. And then there are springs in mountains where supposedly people can sit right next to primates. I don't know if that could be a cultural difference in some cases and that would be interesting to see how much that factors into some of these incidents- much like how Americans can be dumb tourists with dangerous animals in other countries. Do you see a difference in danger awareness between people who live immediately nearby, and technical "locals" who live an hour out? Even that probably makes a big difference, I bet. But yeah, a lot of people clearly do not consciously realize seals are predators and it shows. Most people in California would not do this with a mountain lion.

[@KPassionate]

It does sometimes seem like tourists are the worst in these places.

[@curestarlight3023]

Hi KP. Just stumbled onto your channel & it's been really informative. It's interesting to learn that the sea lion raising itself up was actually a warning lunge. I completely misunderstood that behaviour.

[@KPassionate]

Welcome aboard!

[@rc8306]

The parents should have been arrested and charge with endangerment of a minor.

[@KPassionate]

I absolutely agree

[@misanthropicmusings4596]

Parent should be fined for child endangerment as well as wildlife endangerment.

[@KPassionate]

I couldn't agree more!

[@amazingaquaticsandexotics3030]

awesome vid

[@KPassionate]

Thank you!!!!

[@katsmenagerie106]

I'm amazed that the fur seal didn't bite. I might be reading the video wrong, but it looks like they're giving a warning/dismissal with the wide open mouth and then trying to move away, when instead they could have gotten ahold of the child. Not that they wouldn't (or shouldn't) bite, but I feel like they're getting maligned as aggressive when they're just defending themself, and even displaying a remarkable tolerance for human bs.

[@L.K.Rydens]

I'm glad that in Sweden we teach kids from an early age that wild animals are not toys and that if we love them, we keeo a distance and don't ever feed them. My nephew is almost 3 years old, and he has already learnt. Videos like this makes me want to walk into the video and scream at the adults. And hug the kids very tightly and explain to them what actually happened ❤

[@daxvena]

Considering how reckless these people were, it's easy to call them stupid, but I think the real problem is that they're ignorant. I don't think they actually lack the mental capacity to understand that what they did was wrong, it seems more likely they just didn't have the knowledge to understand how it was reckless in the first place. I think it's important to make the distinction, because ignorance can be solved with better education, where just calling them stupid implies that there isn't anything that can be done to avoid this. If you eat meat or animal products, I can just as easily call you stupid for contributing the insane amount of suffering that animals go through in factory farms. I don't believe that people who eat meat are stupid though, I just think they're ignorant to the suffering or try to rationalize the suffering because they don't have to directly witness it.

[@pong9000]

My limited personal experiences with sea lions says they're only territorial where they haul up.

[@jamesdriscoll_tmp1515]

Love the airborne sea lion. Very creative

[@scarletshield009]

Sea LION people! LION!

[@KPassionate]

Hahaha lion in the name and closest land relative is a BEAR! Just basically don’t touch hahaha

[@gabeh.4297]

blackfish review when?

[@maileannlouie]

Omg I can’t be more depressed!

[@KPassionate]

Ugh do we really want this? That movie is so exhaustingly misinformative 😂

[@gabeh.4297]

@@KPassionate that's why I want it, I saw the film but have heard it was controversial.

[@KPassionate]

@@gabeh.4297 I will put it in my list!

[@RoseProseFroze]

@@KPassionate Honestly this is my 1st time being informed of its misinformation so... probably needed.

[@StinkySeaGoat]

One of my colleagues told me that a seal bite is always going to go necrosis

[@KPassionate]

Not always. But they definitely can be very nasty!

[@Playerestblog]

I think many of these cases are because we humans think that animals will behave as us and that it is not true. They are different species and behaves different, we need more education to understand animals and thanks to you we know a little more 😺👍

[@mojrimibnharb4584]

I live in Montana where the joke is that we don't have zoos because they would be redundant. I love Yellowstone but generally avoid it in the summer for all the reasons you describe concerning marine mammals. You would be amazed at the $hit rangers describe during tourist season.

[@arfriedman4577]

I'm jealous you get to work with seals and sea lions. I wish I knew about you're major when I was in college years ago.

[@KPassionate]

It’s never too late! I have a zoology degree

[@arfriedman4577]

@@KPassionate I understand, but I don't have the time and I'm in my career 31 yrs.

[@arfriedman4577]

@@KPassionate much success to you and your family always and have fun always 🐧🐾🐭🦔

[@nicnic1190]

I just laugh at people that don't respect nature. I am Tiamat, Nammu, Rhea etc, many names many lives.

[@nicoocin8130]

Ok this just made me mad I’m too young for kids but my protective instincts kicked in IMMEDIATELY like… what goes through your head to put your SMALL CHILD NEXT TO A MASSIVE ANIMAL!!!!! They don’t know any better! YOU are supposed to teach them that this is not safe yet you are going to let the ANIMAL do it 👹👹👹👹👹

[@KPassionate]

It is so infuriating!!!

[@JasonSmith-ej2fg]

Hey KP, Another great job, you should look up bear and bison videos on KZbin if you want to see some truly stupid people things. Learned long ago to APPRECIATE from a distance - safer for all involved.

[@michaelshort2388]

Those parents should be charged with endangerment

[@douglasclerk2764]

As Robert Heinlein once wrote: never underestimate the power of human stupidity. There's an added element to consider- in South Africa's Cape Peninsula, the baboons have become accustomed to getting food from humans. Problem: in baboon society a subservient baboon will always surrender food to a dominant one. If you give food to a baboon you are effectively giving the baboon permission to dominate you. Clever.

[@davidjones-vx9ju]

sea..."LION"

[@KPassionate]

Hahaha exactly.

[@rachelann9362]

I know this is old, but I just came across your channel the other day. When they were feeding the wild sea with the girl on the water… I literally JUMPED when the seal grabbed her. That was more of a fright than most horror/suspense movies. Why would you EVER think it’s okay to let your child get in grabbing distance of a wild animal, let alone a wild PREDATOR in its natural habitat (that being the water). The kid doesn’t need to be NEXT to the animal to make it look like they are close in a picture. Just do a leaning tower of Pisa moment and you’re good to go.. kid with a sea lion at an actual safe distance away.