La Jolla sea lion pupping season begins

San Diego park rangers said Wednesday that sea lion pupping season has begun at La Jolla Cove, with one pup birth reported last week and more expected in the coming days. CBS 8 reported that rangers increased their presence at the cove as the seasonal births started. The outlet said rangers were reminding visitors to keep their distance from the animals as crowds gather at one of San Diego’s busiest coastal attractions. The pupping season for sea lions in La Jolla typically runs from late May through October, CBS 8 reported. ### How many pups have been reported so far? One sea lion pup birth was reported last week at La Jolla Cove, according to CBS 8. Rangers told the station that additional births could happen “any day now,” a warning that comes at the start of the annual pupping period. (cbs8.com) Point La Jolla, the rocky area between La Jolla Cove and Boomer Beach, is one of the places where California sea lions haul out and mothers raise their young during the annual pupping season, according to the City of San Diego. The city says the area has drawn increasing public attention as the sea lion population has grown. (cbs8.com) ### What are rangers telling visitors to do? CBS 8 said rangers are telling visitors to keep their distance from sea lions during pupping season. A CBS 8 video summary said people should stay at least 20 feet away. (sandiego.gov) The City of San Diego says Point La Jolla is closed to humans year-round to protect sea lions, while nearby La Jolla Cove remains accessible to beachgoers. The city says the site is managed to reduce interactions between people and marine mammals. ### Why is La Jolla Cove a focus during pupping season? La Jolla Cove is one of San Diego’s best-known shoreline destinations, and wildlife viewing there often brings visitors close to resting sea lions. (cbs8.com) CBS 8 said pupping season brings both excitement and larger crowds, prompting rangers to emphasize wildlife safety rules. (sandiego.gov) A City of San Diego presentation prepared for the California Coastal Commission said 2.3 million people visited La Jolla Cove, at Ellen Browning Scripps Park, in 2024. The same presentation said park rangers provide support at shoreline parks with a focus on La Jolla Cove. (newsbreak.com) ### Where do the sea lions gather in La Jolla? Point La Jolla sits between La Jolla Cove and Boomer Beach and has become a regular haul-out area for California sea lions, according to the City of San Diego. The city says mothers also use the area to raise young during pupping season. La Jolla Cove itself remains a place where visitors can see sea lions from nearby public areas, but the city and local broadcasters have repeatedly warned against approaching the animals too closely during pupping season. (sandiego.gov) CBS 8 aired a separate segment last month outlining “dos and don’ts” for visitors during the season. (sandiego.gov) ### What happens next at the cove? May 20 marks the start of what CBS 8 described as a period when more pup births could arrive in the next several days at La Jolla Cove. Rangers said added patrols are already in place as the season gets underway. The broader pupping season is expected to continue through October, according to CBS 8’s report and video summary. (cbs8.com 1) (cbs8.com 2)