Ballard sea lions (Courtesy: Breanden Salas) <\/p>\n
Scenes of people taking selfies with the animals and bringing their dogs up close to them have alarmed environmental authorities in Washington.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Michael Milstein from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration spoke about the dangers associated with getting close to these animals.\u00a0<\/p>\n
![\"ballard](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vlcsnap-2026-04-20-10h56m46s885.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Ballard sea lions at Golden Gardens Park <\/p>\n
What they’re saying:<\/p>\n
“I am aware of the sea lions in Ballard and we strongly urge people to stay a safe distance from them. They are protected by law and are wild animals that can be very dangerous. While they might look docile, they are predators and people have been injured when approaching them,” Milstein said.<\/p>\n
![\"ballard](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vlcsnap-2026-04-20-10h54m07s705.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Ballard sea lions at Golden Gardens Park <\/p>\n
The NOAA public affairs specialist continued, reminding people that the Marine Mammal Protection Act also says that interfering with their natural behavior can be a violation punishable by a fine and time in jail.\u00a0<\/p>\n
In response to the scenes at Golden Gardens on Sunday, the NOAA notified their Office of Law Enforcement.<\/p>\n
![\"ballard](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/vlcsnap-2026-04-20-10h54m37s342.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Ballard sea lions at Golden Gardens Park <\/p>\n
MORE NEWS FROM FOX 13 SEATTLE <\/p>\n
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