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Selfies are damaging almond orchards in California

Posted at 8:43 AM, Feb 22, 2020
and last updated 2020-02-22 08:43:21-05

SOLANO COUNTY, Calif. -- Almond orchards are in full bloom in California, causing an influx of unwelcome visitors in pursuit of the perfect photo.

Farmer Matt Cooley says selfie seekers by the hundreds are venturing onto his property to take pictures.

Cooley says people have damaged water lines, left trash behind, and have even gotten stuck on his property.

It's become such a problem that the Solano County Sheriff's Department issued a reminder that trespassing is a misdemeanor.

Cooley says he's most upset about the lack of respect.

"People walk right by the sign and take a picture or take a picture with the signs sometimes. It's just the way people are," he says.

"It is private property. It goes back to... I don't get to go over to your house and open the door and walk in and say 'Hey what's for dinner'?"

Cooley says his almond trees are almost done blooming, but it's nearing sunflower season when the problem will start all over again.