Sea lions attack people in California

Reports of strange behavior of sea lions along the California coast are worrying scientists. Normally friendly animals are seen bobbing their heads back and forth, foaming at the mouth and being unusually violent. In fact, five attacks on swimmers have been recorded in recent weeks.

The cause appears to be a type of toxic algae that poisons sea lions, causing seizures, brain disorders and, in some cases, death. Scientists note that sympathetic mammals do not attack humans on purpose, but it is a natural reaction when a sick and upset animal is startled.

Marine mammal rescue workers receive about 300 reports a day of sea lions in distress, and more than 150 sea lions have been found dead. The beaches where sick sea lions were found have been closed to bathers, and authorities are urging people not to disturb the animals in any way, recommending a safe distance of 15 meters from them.

The environmental catastrophe is linked to an imbalance in ocean nutrients due to the El Nino phenomenon as well as human pollution. As a result, the microscopic plankton “pseydo-nitzscia” increased significantly, which led to the production of domoic acid, a potent neurotoxin. Fish that feed on plankton end up in the stomachs of sea lions, and the neurotoxin builds up up the food chain. It should be noted that dozens of dolphins have died from this neurotoxin.

Domoic acid is usually eliminated from a sea lion’s body within three days, but a high concentration in their diet can lead to death. In humans, the venom causes symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, seizures, coma, permanent memory loss and, in rare cases, death. In 1927, 100 poisonings and 6 deaths were recorded in California due to eating poisonous shellfish.

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