Capitola resident Heather Gray says a sea lion grabbed her hair and bit her arm, hand and feet Tuesday morning while she paddleboarded between Capitola Wharf and Privates Beach. She got back on her board and was treated at an urgent care clinic.
Monterey Bay has had elevated levels of domoic acid, a toxin produced by algal blooms; dozens of sea lions have become sick or disoriented this year. The Marine Mammal Center said it could not determine whether Gray’s attacker was poisoned because the animal was not examined.
In June, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife issued an advisory regarding commercial fishing for anchovies and sardines amid domoic acid levels; both fish are a large part of sea lions’ diet. NOAA recommends staying at least 50 yards from sea lions on land or in the water.
