emirates7 - Hundreds of California sea lions have taken over San Carlos Beach in Monterey, California, leading local officials to close the area to the public.

Despite caution tape being put up, crowds continue to gather, capturing photos of the sea lions as they rest and play on the sand and in the water.

While sea lions, also known as eared seals, are commonly seen on various California beaches, local residents say they have never witnessed such a large gathering of these marine animals in Monterey.

Lisa Uttal, a marine biologist with the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, mentioned that the reason the sea lions chose San Carlos Beach is unclear, though they might be drawn by the ecosystem’s rich food supply. She noted that nearly all the sea lions on the beach were male.