In Southern California, sea lions are exhibiting aggressive behavior and attacking humans, linked to rising levels of toxic algal blooms affecting their health. The phenomenon is alarming, with a notable incident involving a 15-year-old girl and a surfer, both victims of sea lion attacks. Experts attribute this behavior to domoic acid poisoning from the blooms, causing neurological issues in sea lions, resulting in unusual aggression. The situation is critical, as the effects of these toxins extend to dolphin populations, highlighting a significant environmental crisis along the coast.
Beltran's arm is covered in bites, bruises and scratches, but she didn't require stitches, she said. Up the coast in Ventura County on March 21, a surfer near Oxnard, was bitten by a sea lion in open water. The attack left him shaken to his core, he said.
The sea lion erupted from the water, hurtling toward RJ LaMendola at top speed - its expression was feral, almost demonic, devoid of the curiosity or playfulness I'd always associated with sea lions.
The sea lions are coming in almost comatose by the time they're stranding. Something is happening in this particular bloom that seems worse on multiple levels.
Domoic acid toxicosis caused by toxic algal bloom, often referred to as red tide, is affecting the sea lions and causing attacks.
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