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 ...

One surfer, according to CBS Local Los Angeles, was attacked on Friday by one such “feral, almost demonic” sea lion afflicted by the toxin. The animal bit and dragged the man off his board ...

Domoic acid poisoning is stranding marine mammals as warnings are issued to beachgoers of the threat posed by animals that are transformed by their illness.

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 ...