In recent days, alarming reports of aggressive sea lions along the California coast have captured public attention, with marine researchers pointing to a toxic algae bloom as the likely culprit.

Described as "demonic" and "feral" by eyewitnesses, these typically charismatic marine mammals have exhibited uncharacteristic behavior, including attacking surfers and displaying signs of neurological distress.

Multiple news outlets, including ABC News, the Los Angeles Times, and SFGate, have covered the phenomenon, raising concerns about the environmental and human impacts of this escalating crisis.

According to ABC News, sea lions on the California coast are showing strange behaviors such as aggression and lethargy, which marine researchers attribute to a harmful algae bloom affecting the region.

The toxin in question, domoic acid, is produced by the algae Pseudo-nitzschia and ingested by sea lions through contaminated fish.

This neurotoxin can cause brain and heart damage, leading to the erratic actions observed.

Dave Bader, chief operations and education officer at the Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro, told KGTV that Southern California has seen consecutive years of these blooms, a trend exacerbated by warming temperatures and pollution.

The Los Angeles Times reported a particularly vivid account from surfer RJ LaMendola, who was attacked by a sea lion at Oxnard State Beach in Ventura County.

LaMendola described the animal as "feral, almost demonic," noting how it bit him, dragged him off his surfboard, and continued to stalk him in the water.

He later learned from the Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute that domoic acid poisoning was likely responsible, a diagnosis echoed by wildlife officials dealing with a wave of similar incidents across Santa Barbara and Ventura counties.

SFGate highlighted the scale of the issue, noting that hundreds of sea lions are presumably infected with the toxin. The Marine Mammal Care Center has rescued nearly 150 sea lions since February, with dolphins and seabirds also falling ill.

This marks the fourth consecutive year of domoic acid events in California waters, an unusual frequency given that toxic algae blooms typically occur only once every four to seven years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (via ABC News).

Researchers suggest that human activity, including pollution and climate change, is intensifying these outbreaks, threatening marine ecosystems and coastal communities alike.

The San Francisco Chronicle added that the blooms, which began farther offshore this year, have particularly impacted dolphins, though sea lions closer to shore have drawn more public notice due to their interactions with humans.

In Malibu, more than 50 sea lions have been reported sick, showcasing the widespread reach of this environmental hazard.

The aggressive behavior of these poisoned sea lions has not only alarmed marine experts but also posed risks to beachgoers.

FTW Outdoors recounted LaMendola's harrowing experience, noting that the sea lion bit through his wetsuit and continued to pursue him, leaving him shaken and requiring medical attention.

Such incidents have prompted warnings from wildlife officials, with CBS Los Angeles (cited by FTW Outdoors) urging the public to exercise caution around affected marine life.

WIONews reported that beyond aggression, some sea lions appear "lethargic" or are "stargazing," a term used to describe their disoriented, upward-tilting heads -- another symptom of domoic acid poisoning.

The contrast between their usual playfulness and these disturbing behaviors underscores the severity of the toxin's effects.

The recurrence of toxic algae blooms, as noted by multiple sources, signals a broader environmental challenge.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration explains that harmful algal blooms occur when algae grow uncontrollably, producing toxins that can harm or kill fish, mammals, and birds.

According to the Marine Mammal Care Center (per WIONews), the 2023 bloom has already killed 1,000 sea lions. This year's bloom -- predicted to be worse -- could have even more devastating consequences.