victor809 wrote:Had one follow me around on the last shore dive when we were swimming back. Kinda creepy to have it pop it's head up... Then go under... Pop it's head up somewhere closer... Then go under...
It's the sealions that are the problem apparently. They were attacking swimmers a couple months ago, coming out of nowhere and giving them some pretty serious bites.
Lots of folks get seals and sea lions mixed up, especially juvenile sea lions and seals.
During mating season, the males of both species can be grumpy and territorial.
Down in Santa Cruz, full sized male harbor seals (300lbs+) are not to be taken lightly. They will bite, and it's not pretty.
Generally,when agitated, sea lions will swim towards you fast, do a 180 and slap the water with their "tail", quite close to where you are paddling. That's your warning......best to leave.....quickly.
Good buddy got bit in the SHIN.........it hurt "just a bit", as he would say, and he still has a nasty deep scar from that one.