Ohh, that's a surprise; you haven't taken us into the hinterland like this before. Looks like quite a big natural area to explore. I had no idea all this lay behind the beach - many thanks for the link.

Looks like they're having fun? for a turtle

would surprise me if they were not protected (this is California). they're certainly unafraid at this park and will eat from hand...

it was harsh noon light and at least with some of them was also fussing with a CPL... it was such a mess with the camera at this moment that I have no idea haha...

your comment confirms my suspicion as i was debating if this was the image for the day but chose to go with the larger sensored choice...

local: https://goo.gl/maps/o76qFeVomMs

My guess is not pests but planted and supported (fed) by the city... The pest I saw was a young girl that came out of nowhere and started harassing those on the rocks and caused them all to make a mad dash for the water..

Nice family group - in a scene repeated all over the world.

Are these protected? They're certainly photogenic.

Bummer!