Natural History Wanderings

The Santa Barbara Independent reports

Rescue organization inundated with hundreds of reports of marine mammals in distress.

Domoic acid is thought to be the culprit in numerous reports of sea lions in distress on Santa Barbara and Ventura beaches. The marine mammal rescue group Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute (CIMWI) has received more than a hundred calls since an uptick in sightings on Monday, according to the group’s Instagram. Beachgoers are advised to keep at least 50 feet away from the animals, as they may respond aggressively if approached.

Read more at  Sick Sea Lions Showing up on Santa Barbara and Ventura Beaches – The Santa Barbara Independent