animal bites

Marine Mammal Bites

California's popular coastal beaches are home to animals like seals, sea lions, and sea otters that spend most of their life in the ocean (called marine mammals). Beachgoers might see these marine mammals while swimming, surfing, and enjoying time at the beach. Marine mammals normally stay away from people but can be aggressive and bite if they are sick or feel threatened.

Marine mammals can get sick when there is a rapid growth of algae in sea water. This is called a harmful algal bloom (sometimes called red tide, though not all algal blooms turn the water red). Certain algae can make toxins (poisons) that affect the brains of marine mammals and make them more aggressive.

See harmful algal blooms reports for California

Marine mammals are large animals with sharp teeth that can cause injury and possible skin infection if they bite. It's important for people to be aware of their surroundings while at the ocean and take steps to stay safe from marine mammal bites.

What is normal marine mammal behavior?

Marine mammals are naturally curious animals but are wild and should have a normal fear of people.

Sea lions and seals may come onto the beach or use docks, breakwaters, and buoys to warm up, rest, be with other animals, and get away from predators. They may do this for hours before returning to the water. Sea lions and seals may also stay on land longer when it's the time of year to have babies.
Sea otters live most of their lives in the ocean and are not typically seen on land. It is normal to see otters floating and resting near the shore.

Learn more: Your Visual Guide to Sea Lion and Seal Behavior | Inner Otter – Basic Behaviors

Sea otter

What should I do if I see marine mammal behavior that isn't normal?

When marine mammals are sick from harmful algae, they may come on shore and:

Be unusually aggressive
Have seizures
Move their head from side-to-side
Appear weak or have problems balancing

There are wildlife rescues in California that have special training to help sick marine mammals. If you see a seal, sea lion, or sea otter along the California coast that could be sick, call:

The Marine Mammal Center: (415) 289-7325 (SEAL)

For San Luis Obispo north to Mendocino

Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute: (805) 567-1505

For San Luis Obispo/Santa Barbara County line south to Ventura/Los Angeles County line

Marine Mammal Care Center: (800) 399-4253

For Los Angeles County

For Malibu, contact the California Wildlife Center Marine Mammal Response Team: (310) 459-9453 (WILD)

For more West Coast reporting resources, visit: Report a Stranded or Injured Marine Animal | NOAA Fisheries

Learn more: Toxic Algae and Domoic Acid Poisoning

Person using a cell phone to call and report a sick seal on the beach

Photo: Channel Islands Marine & Wildlife Institute

How can I avoid being bitten by sea lions, seals, and sea otters on land?

The best way to prevent bites from marine mammals is to keep your distance.

Remember: animals you see at the beach or in the ocean are in their natural habitats. This makes you a “guest" in their home, so please respect their space.
Give wild animals at least 150 feet of distance (the length of about three and a half school buses lined up end-to-end).
Do not try to get close to wild animals – this means no selfies with seals and sea lions! (Pro tip: Zoom in instead.)
Do not try to touch or feed any wild animals.

Do not come near sleeping/resting animals on the shore or try to scare them into the water.
Always keep an eye on children when they are swimming or playing at the beach.
Pay attention to any announcements from government officials or posted warning signs about algal blooms in your area.

How do I avoid bites from marine mammals when I'm in the ocean?

Go to the beach with a buddy or group of people for safety, so you're not alone if you need help.
Tell a friend or family member that you are going into the water, and report back when you return to shore.
Talk to the lifeguard on duty before going into the water. Ask about:

Water and surf conditions
Any safety hazards
If seals or other large animals that have been recently spotted in the area

Get out of the water if you see an animal that is very interested in people, is bumping into you, or won't go away, or if you feel uncomfortable with animals in the water.

If I get bitten or scratched by a marine mammal, what should I do?

For serious bites or scratches where there is a lot of bleeding, or if the skin is severely injured, go to an emergency room immediately.
For bites or scratches with a small amount of bleeding or minor skin damage,

Clean the wound within the first few hours by washing with soap and running, fresh water continuously for 20 minutes or more.
Watch for signs of infection (heat at the site of the wound, redness, swelling, pus, pain, or fever). If you see any of these signs within the next 1-2 days, seek medical attention.

More Information

Share the Shore – National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries

Red Tides and Domoic Acid Toxicity – The Marine Mammal Center

Water Safety and Harmful Algal Blooms

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) Portal – State of California Water Quality Monitoring Council

Frequently Asked Questions

California Ocean Observing Systems Data Portal – California Harmful Algal Bloom Monitoring and Alert Program (CalHABMAP)
CDC Harmful Algal Blooms and Your Health – U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Drowning Prevention – California Department of Developmental Services