Wow, that's an awesome picture. Whenever I've visited the coast over here for school trips, they warned us about bothering the sea lions...apparently they can move quite fast on land despite their seeming awkwardness.

Yep, they've got some serious chompers on them... I was bit by a baby sea lion once, and it wasn't fun. Also, you'll get a serious $$$ fine if you mess with any aquatic mammals in California.

Fortunately for me there was a wall and a good six-foot drop between me and this fella, so a physical altercation was pretty much impossible.

Someone sure pissed in his cornflakes...

Ewww.

sure is a strange expression, but adequate, you would be grump if it happened to you...

Oh, wow! It's a good thing there was six feet between you, he looks like he's out for blood. Well, blood or fish. In any case, I am still amazed at how close you can get to these animals, I really envy that. And if looks could kill...you really got a great shot of him staring daggers at the camera. Thanks a lot for sharing your photos with us, I do really appreciate it! ^^

Here's hoping we get to see more of Diego, too. :P

I'm tremendously flattered that you get such a kick out of my pix... rest assured there's plenty more cued up (including a few more of Diego, natch).

I think I probably could have won this guy over if I'd just had some raw halibut in my pocket. :P

Those eyes just say... "GO.... AWAY...."

He also actually told me to go away, and it sounded like "Ooaahhhhrrrghhhh! Urk!"

Like a fat man who has had far, far too many ribs.

He looks like he's got a cute fuzzy head of blond hair there. I wish I could scritch it. If only he wouldn't bite me.

It might be a toupée. :P

Technically it's unlawful to do anything to "alter their behavior" but nobody cares if they just look at you. It's not very well enforced. Come to Monterey often? Shoulda come visited me silly otter! I might've been able to smuggle you into the Aquarium too.

Yah, I'd never attempt to touch, feed, or otherwise bug any aquatic mammal... but hey, if they're gonna park themselves six feet from a well-traveled footpath, it's pretty hard to avoid attracting their attention.

I love Monterey, but I don't get over that way as often as I'd like. Blame my ancient Toyota, which can't get over Hwy. 17 anymore... these days I usually just tag along with friends whenever I can. I might just take you up on the Aquarium sometime, though. :3

Yeah, it's not like they don't have a choice to be there. They could go wherever they wanted yet they choose that spot where people are. I friggin hate hwy 17. I avoid it whever I can even if I have to take 101 the long way :3

Wow!