Why San Diego Temporarily Shut Down Point La Jolla

A stretch of La Jolla's coast has been closed in order to prevent visitors from getting too close to sea lions during pupping season, reports KGTV.

The temporary closure went into effect on August 11 as San Diego city workers at Point La Jolla began installing "Area Closed" signs.

Point La Jolla sits between La Jolla Cove beach and Boomer Beach where sea lions often go to rest.

The area will remain closed through September 15.

"The closure is intended to protect both the public and sea lions during pupping season, a sensitive period of time when sea lions are born and learn to swim. Sea lions, especially mothers who are nursing and feeding their young, can become aggressive and cause bodily injury when they feel threatened as a result of visitors that get too close," a city spokesperson said.

City officials have seen an increase in reports of beach visitors ignoring signage and getting too close to the sea lions.

"We have called for responsible tourism, met with stakeholders, installed new signage, and yet crowds continue to seek up-close encounters with the sea lions. The spectacle of the past few months does not reflect who we are as a city and has distracted the public from enjoyment of San Diego's world-class natural resources," said Councilmember Joe LaCava.

According to KGTV, the city is considering a potential seasonal closure during pupping season.