Surfer hospitalized after attack by sick sea lion

In late March 2025, RJ LaMendola, a surfer from Ventura County, California, experienced a terrifying encounter with a sick sea lion while surfing about 150 yards from the shore. As he paddled in the water, the sea lion began to chase and attack him, attempting to pull him off his surfboard. The creature displayed unusual and aggressive behavior, which LaMendola characterized as 'feral' and 'almost demonic'. This incident coincides with warnings issued by wildlife officials regarding a mass poisoning event affecting marine life off the California coast due to toxic algal blooms, specifically domoic acid. The algal blooms have led to health issues for over 50 sea lions and at least 50 dolphins, with reports indicating that the fish populations—key food sources for these marine mammals—are contaminated. When untreated, domoic acid can result in severe neurological or cardiac damage to both humans and marine animals. Since the outbreak began in late February, officials have cautioned beachgoers not to interact with distressed marine wildlife. Symptoms of domoic acid poisoning in sea lions include lethargy, seizures, and erratic behavior, leading to alarming incidents like the one LaMendola faced while surfing. The ongoing algal blooms are reported to be exacerbated by climate change, with scientists linking increased water temperatures and nutrient runoff as contributing factors. LaMendola's incident is not an isolated one, as authorities have tracked multiple similar encounters along the California coastline, highlighting an urgent need for intervention and monitoring of the affected marine life. The California Wildlife Center and local officials are actively working to assist these animals, but the survival rate for sea lions after treatment remains under 70%. As the situation unfolds, it emphasizes the broader environmental challenges posed by climate change, which are intensifying such toxic events along the coast.