The government shutdown is at least temporarily costing Bay Area residents a popular beach. While Drake’s Beach in Point Reyes National Seashore was closed during the shutdown and its staff furloughed some adult elephant seals knocked down a fence and took over a beach usually reserved for humans. When the park reopened on Sunday, staff had to close the road to the beach because there were seals in the parking lot. There are about 15-hundred elephant seals at the park. There are now 50 to 60 adults on the human side of the beach and they’ve given birth to 35 pups. Park officials are currently discussing what to do next, including possible offering tours for humans to visit the elephant seal colony.
Safety Warning from Point Reyes National Seashore:
— Elephant seals can be dangerous. The Marine Mammal Protection Act and park regulations remain in effect at this time. Please remain at least 25 feet away (at least two car lengths) from these animals. During this lapse in appropriations, Rangers are still on patrol and we encourage you to report any unsafe behavior you see.