Latest news with #CaliforniaWildlifeCenter
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Wildlife experts perturbed after finding 'suffering and confused' creatures stranded on beach: 'Highly suspicious'
Malibu, California-area sea lions are "suffering and confused" due to a troubling illness, and scientists say toxic algal blooms, supercharged by climate shifts and runoff pollution, may be the cause. At least 14 sea lions recently fell ill in Malibu, and experts suspect toxic algal blooms, often called red tides, are to blame, per a report by The Independent. The California Wildlife Center believes the sea lions were likely sick from domoic acid toxicity, a condition caused by the algae. "Though we have not confirmed the cause for these animals' illness, their signs and the recent rains make the situation highly suspicious for domoic acid toxicity," the California Wildlife Center said in a statement. According to The Marine Mammal Center, sea lions are especially susceptible to domoic acid toxicity. They and other marine animals are exposed to toxic algae by eating contaminated fish. The algae can damage an animal's "brain and heart, even in low doses," according to the California Wildlife Center. Signs of the condition in marine mammals include seizures, a craning head motion known as "stargazing," and highly lethargic or comatose states. The Environmental Protection Agency explains that rising temperatures due to the overheating of our planet promote the growth of algal blooms, which thrive in warmer waters. Intense rainfall and extreme weather events driven by climate instability can also increase agricultural runoff into oceans, delivering excess nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus that fuel algae growth. These factors make red tides more frequent and severe, posing serious risks to marine animals and their ecosystems. But humans are also at risk of toxic algae exposure. Eating seafood contaminated by toxic algae can lead to a rare but potentially life-threatening illness called amnesic shellfish poisoning. Early symptoms include fatigue, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, blurred vision, and sweating. As the condition worsens, it may cause dizziness, confusion, motor weakness, and seizures. In severe cases, it can lead to permanent short-term memory loss, coma, or even death. Even just being near a toxic algal bloom can impact human health. Wind can carry airborne toxins, irritating the eyes, nose, and throat. People with chronic respiratory issues such as asthma may experience a flare-up or worsening of their condition. Wildlife officials are currently caring for the sick sea lions. If you see a sea lion in distress, the California Wildlife Center advises calling your local wildlife center for assistance. "Do not interact directly with animals such as sea lions in distress as they may lunge and bite without warning," the California Wildlife Center said in the statement. But preventing toxic algal blooms is more complicated than making a phone call. While climate-conscious action can help address planet-warming pollution, there are practical ways to prevent excess nutrients from entering waterways. Greener agricultural practices such as using fewer or no fertilizers and managing animal waste can help reduce nitrogen and phosphorus runoff. Improved wastewater treatment can also decrease these nutrient levels. On an individual level, you can switch from lawn fertilizers to natural lawn care options and dispose of household chemicals properly to help protect local waterways. Do you worry about air pollution in and around your home? Yes — always Yes — often Yes — sometimes No — never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
CBS News
23-03-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Surfer bitten by sick sea lion off Oxnard coast
A surfer was sent to the hospital after a sick sea lion attacked him off the Oxnard coast. The surfer, RJ LaMendola, said he was roughly 150 yards away from the share when the sick sea lion started chasing after him. "I don't know how to describe the fear that gripped me in that moment," he wrote on Facebook. "So far from shore, so helpless, staring into the face of this creature that looked like nothing I'd ever seen—its expression was feral, almost demonic, devoid of the curiosity or playfulness I'd always associated with sea lions." Since late February, wildlife officials have warned beachgoers about a toxic algae outbreak affecting marine wildlife in the waters off the California coast. More than 50 sea lions became sick after ingesting domoic acid in Malibu. Wildlife officials said that domoic acid is "an algal bloom resulting from a single-celled organism called Pseudo-nitzschia." When toxic, domoic acid can cause brain and heart damage, even in low doses. Animals and humans can become sick from ingesting domoic acid from contaminated fish or coming in contact with infected wildlife. "Signs in marine mammals include seizures, a craning head motion known as 'stargazing,' and highly lethargic or comatose states," the California Wildlife Center said in a statement. "These animals are suffering and confused; do not interact directly with animals such as sea lions in distress as they may lunge and bite without warning." The algae bloom spans as far down as Orange County.
Yahoo
19-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Woman's Kind Gesture Toward Injured Squirrel Who Didn't Stand a Chance Tugs at the Heartstrings
Sometimes all it takes is one person to completely change an animal's life. People online are praising one woman who stepped up for a squirrel who needed her most. Katie Levans was heartbroken when she came across a squirrel who was 'having a hard time.' While some people would've let the poor thing fend for itself, Levans was moved to get the animal some help. Levans was willing to go to extraordinary lengths to rescue the squirrel. The creature needed her! She wasn't going to let her down. It can be really hard to know how to help a struggling animal. But with some quick thinking, Levans was able to get the animal some help. In the video she shared, it shows the squirrel looking so sickly. It's not clear what's wrong with the squirrel, but it really was in bad away, Levans took out her cat carrier — and the squirrel climbed right in. The woman then brought the squirrel to the California Wildlife Center, an hour away, where the animla was quickly taken into their care. Sadly, she won't get any updates about the squirrel's health from this point on. But she should sleep well knowing that she probably saved the animal's life! People in the comments section were so grateful that Levans was there. 'We were meant to help God's creatures. Thank you for this,' praised one commenter. 'That is a mama, she has babies. You better find her babies,' another commenter pointed out. 'Don't you worry these people are literal angels and will make sure whatever needs doing will get done,' chimed in someone else. 'We did this with a possum hit by a car. They were wonderful. I was crying so the woman took my number and called me. They saved her!!!' shared another person. If you live in the Los Angeles area, you too can use the California Wildlife Center as an important resource. The organization saves so many animals and is always looking for people who want to get involved. You can donate, volunteer, or help with their conservation efforts through the California Wildlife Center website. Many commenters really wanted an update on this squirrel in particular. But sadly it doesn't seem like Levans was able to get anymore information. In a follow up video, she shared that the rescue doesn't have the ability to update people on every animal that is brought to them. But have no fear! Something tells us this sweet creature is doing a-okay! Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips.
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
Mystery sniper killing dozens of crows in this Los Angeles neighborhood
Residents of a Westchester neighborhood are understandably on edge after finding dozens of crows shot to death around an elm tree in the community, with many saying they are now worried about pets and people getting hurt by the shooter. The crow killings have been a mystery on 8300 block of Chase Avenue for years, though resident Brenna Lenoir and her neighbors say the situation has recently escalated. They also say there appears to be no rhyme or reason for the shootings, that sometimes several crows are found dead from gunfire, while other times it's just one or two. Lenoir told KTLA's Mary Beth McDade that she and her neighbors can hear the shots coming from the east, one block over. 'It's really scary because I don't know if a bullet is going to ricochet or something,' she explained. 'You don't know who the person is or their mental state.' The most recent incidents happened on March 8. Three crows were found shot dead, while another was injured. 'Swatting' call locks down campus of Southern California college Lenoir treated the bird and took it to the California Wildlife Center in Calabasas in hopes that they could save the animal. Residents say that over the years, at least 100 of the birds, including two hawks, which are illegal to shoot, have been killed, most likely with a pellet or Airsoft rifle. Police have responded to the area several times and suggested neighbors pull their resources and set up cameras facing east to see if they can catch any of the activity. 'I just want this to stop,' Lenoir told KTLA. 'I want us to feel safe and I don't want to have dead birds all around our neighborhood anymore. It's pretty upsetting.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBS News
05-03-2025
- CBS News
Ventura man arrested for allegedly beating sea lion with a stick
Police arrested a 32-year-old man allegedly caught on Ventura beach cameras beating a sea lion with a large stick Tuesday morning. Authorities booked the suspect, Christopher Hurtado, into jail for felony animal cruelty, breaking federal laws protecting marine mammals and a drug possession violation. "It is a crime under the Marine Mammal Protection Act to intentionally harass or injure sea lions," NOAA Asistant Director Greg Busch said. The Ventura Police Department said they spotted Hurtado on surveillance cameras attacking a sea lion resting along the Ventura Beach Promenade at roughly 9:20 a.m. on March 4. Officers said he hit the animal multiple times with a large stick. Hurtado tried to run away when officers arrived at the beach. However, they quickly detained him and found what they believed to be methamphetamine in his belongings, according to the Ventura Police Department. For the past week, wildlife officials have warned beachgoers about a toxic algae outbreak affecting marine wildlife in the waters off the California coast. More than 50 sea lions became sick after ingesting domoic acid in Malibu. Wildlife officials said that domoic acid is "an algal bloom resulting from a single-celled organism called Pseudo-nitzschia." When toxic, domoic acid can cause brain and heart damage, even in low doses. Animals and humans can become sick from ingesting domoic acid from contaminated fish or coming in contact with infected wildlife. "Signs in marine mammals include seizures, a craning head motion known as 'stargazing,' and highly lethargic or comatose states," the California Wildlife Center said in a statement last week. "These animals are suffering and confused; do not interact directly with animals such as sea lions in distress as they may lunge and bite without warning."
