Rj LaMendola, a surfer in California, experienced a horrifying incident where a sea lion attacked him at Oxnard State Beach Park. The animal, reportedly infected with a neurotoxin, had aggressive and uncharacteristic behavior linked to domoic acid toxicosis, which results from toxic algae blooms. LaMendola suffered physical injuries and ongoing PTSD from the encounter, describing it as the most traumatic experience of his surfing career. Despite the ordeal, he managed to drive himself to the hospital while his injury bled. Experts confirm that such algae blooms can lead to severe neurological disorders in marine life, affecting their behavior.
After several attempts at an ambush, the crazed animal clamped its jaws down hard on his left butt cheek. Mr LaMendola said he's still dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from the encounter, which scientists say was caused by a neurological disorder due to an infection by toxic algae blooms.
The pain was sharp and immediate, but the terror was worse - it shook its head violently, tugging me off my board by my flesh, dragging me into the water.
Its expression was feral, almost demonic, devoid of the curiosity or playfulness I'd always associated with sea lions.
After contacting the Channel Islands Marine Wildlife Institute, he was told the sea lion was likely affected by 'domoic acid toxicosis'. This neurological disorder, caused by an infection from toxic algae, drives these creatures into aggressive and uncharacteristic behaviour.
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