Three weeks ago, one adventurous sea otter was spotted near Tunitas Creek. Fitzgerald Marine Reserve Ranger Rob Cala had not seen one in the area in eight years.
Fitzgerald Marine Reserve is set to reopen to visitors May 3 after being closed for more than a year. With crowds expected to grow this summer, park rangers want residents and visitors alike to remember to follow posted rules when visiting.
The May 3 reopening allows the San Mateo County Parks Department time to hire and train enough seasonal staff to meet expected summer crowds, San Mateo County Parks spokeswoman Carla Schoof said. After an overwhelming number of people came to the Coastside and to Pillar Point beaches to collect sea life â even during shelter-in-place orders â Ranger Rob Cala said education will be the main priority.