Out of control they go out marine lions to California And the cause is a rare disease of toxic algae.
Alarm in California, with authorities recording increased attacks by sea lions on swimmers and surfers. But the cause is not aggression, but a disease caused by toxic algae and “hits” their nervous algae and pushes them into extreme aggressive behavior.
Last month, a surfer named RJ Lamendola was attacked by a Sea Lion, who after chased him, bitten him and pulled him off his boardaccording to BBC.
There are many animals, dozens of number, found to be tormented by this disease on the beaches of California. Many of them suffer from seizures or severe lethargy, and toxin often lead to death.
This phenomenon of toxic algae appears fourth consecutive yearcausing concern that it can be made annual. This year its spread started earlier than usual and has affected about 600 kilometers along the south coast of California.
Lamendola managed to get on the shore in a torn outfit, bleeding. Was taken to the hospital. “I felt like he was literally chasing me,” he said.
A little further south, at Long Beach Beach, the 15 -year -old Phoebe Beltran She passed exams to become a lifeguard when she was attacked by a sea lion, biting her in her hands.
“I was terrified, shocked, but what I felt most was the pain – again and again,” the teenager told local media.
These two attacks have caused global attention and concern to the residents of California. Although sea attacks are rare, experts observe an increase in toxic algae -related incidents.
John Warner, Managing Director of Marine Mammal Care Center in Los Angeles – a center that treats sick marine mammals – explains that these animals are not aggressive by their nature, but toxin alters their behavior.
‘React because they are sick’, He says. “They are disoriented and many have convulsions. Their senses are not working properly, and act for fear. “
Domic acid is found in small fish such as sardines and anchors, which eat dolphins, seals and sea lions – so they get sick.
Acid causes severe neurological disorders, such as convulsions, disorientation and characteristic slope of the head – the so -called “Stargazing”. Some animals fall into lethargy or coma, while others have aggression.
Veterinarians at the Marine Mammal Care Center have a high workload, as they have received at least 195 marine lions from February 20 to the end of March. In the same period last year, the center had only received 50.
If treated immediately, the recovery rate varies between 50% and 65%. However, the resources and spaces of the center are exhausted. Treatment includes anticonvulsants, suppression, hydration and tubes for feeding twice a day.
Another alarming item It is that this year, the rate of recovery of sick animals is slower. In 2023, the hospitalized marine lions began eating within a week. This year, many are still in lethargy, even 5 weeks after the beginning of treatment.
For the time being, bathers are called upon to keep at least 15 meters from the animals they find on the beaches – and not try to help them on their own.