Surfer Battles PTSD After Provoked Sea Lion Attack; Scientists Explain Aggressive Behavior

California Surfer Attacked by Toxin-Infected Sea Lion

A California surfer, Rj LaMendola, endured a terrifying encounter with a sea lion driven to aggression by a neurotoxin, leaving him with PTSD. The incident occurred at Oxnard State Beach Park, where the frantic animal attacked him during a routine surf session.

The Attack
LaMendola described the sea lion as a “deranged predator” that erupted from the water “at full speed” with its jaws wide open. After multiple ambush attempts, it bit his left buttock, dragging him underwater. “The pain was sharp, but the terror was worse,” he wrote on Facebook. “Its expression was feral, almost demonic.” He escaped with a deep wound, a torn wetsuit, and blood pouring down his leg before driving to a hospital.

[Image: Rj LaMendola displaying his torn wetsuit and injury with caption: “The bite left me shaken to my core,” LaMendola said.]

Toxin Behind the Aggression
Experts confirmed the sea lion suffered from domoic acid toxicosis, caused by toxic algae blooms. These blooms produce a neurotoxin that accumulates in the food chain, leading to seizures, disorientation, and aggression in marine mammals. “They’re literally out of their minds,” said John Warner of the Marine Mammal Care Center. Infected animals often strand themselves or attack unpredictably.

[Image: A sea lion with caption: Sea lions infected by domoic acid may exhibit uncharacteristic aggression.]

Rising Threats
The Channel Islands Marine Wildlife Institute reports a surge in distressed sea lions across Santa Barbara and Ventura County. Carcasses litter beaches, highlighting the toxin’s deadly impact. While human attacks remain rare, hundreds of animals are affected annually. LaMendola emphasized the tragic duality of his ordeal: “Knowing the sea lion was sick adds sadness to the fear.”

Recovery and Warnings
Though LaMendola avoided life-threatening injuries, he remains traumatized. “I won’t be paddling out again soon,” he admitted. Authorities urge beachgoers to stay 50 feet from distressed marine animals, which may lunge or bite. Symptoms like seizures, “stargazing” (head bobbing), or lethargy signal danger.

[Image: Algae bloom under a microscope with caption: Pseudo-nitzschia algae produce domoic acid, entering the food chain and harming marine life.]

Past Incidents
In 2020, a swimmer in Western Australia needed 20 stitches after a sea lion bite. Though typically non-aggressive, even healthy sea lions can attack if provoked. Experts stress respecting their space to prevent stress-induced reactions.

Safety Tips

• Stay 50+ feet from marine mammals.
• Never feed or approach them.
• Report injured animals to wildlife authorities.

LaMendola’s story underscores the hidden dangers of marine toxins and the importance of ocean awareness. As algae blooms worsen with climate change, such encounters may rise, blending human and wildlife tragedies.

“I’m lucky it wasn’t worse,” he said. “But the memory of being hunted haunts me.”

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