Biting sea lions pose an unexpected peril to beachgoers in the Orange County, California area: already a diver, surfer, paddle boarder, and, recently, two people who were on the beach have been bitten.
Most beaches where wildlife frequent or live have signs warning visitors of the animals in the area, and suggesting the public doesn’t get too close.
Sea lion attacks have happened at at least three beaches in Orange County.
Wildlife experts hypothesize that the aggression the sea lions are demonstrating likely comes from an illness from algal bloom poisoning.
Algal blooms are the rapid growth of algae that can harm humans and marine life. It can appear in different colours and look like scum, paint or foam on the surface of the water. It can produce domoic acid which is known more colloquially as “Red Tide.”
Sea lions can consume the algae through the food they normally eat. The contaminated and harmful algae can affect the brain of an animal and cause it to have seizures or act erratically.
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The Southern California algal bloom has affected dolphins as well and some affected sea lions have washed ashore. Wildlife rescuers have been responding to the incidents.
Experts advise people who are bitten to seek medical attention immediately as the bites can become infected. However, you cannot be affected by domoic acid through an animal bite, you must ingest it to be harmed or sick.
Included in the sea lion victims was a young boy bitten who was about 20 feet from the shore.
The biting incidents caused some beaches and water areas to be temporarily closed to the public.
Officials are warning people to take additional precautions when it comes to visiting the coast, including giving animals more space – such as 50 feet of extra room.
People who get too close to animals, including marine life, put themselves at risk of attack. Wild animals can be territorial and aggressive when they feel threatened.
