The toxicity of this particular bloom seems to be a lot higher, ” said a marine biologist. “Animals are in worse shape than they have been in the past.”

Experts say frightening encounters with sea lions are becoming more common and the likely reason for recent attacks is a toxic algae bloom poisoning the marine mammals, leading to rare acts of aggression as they move to shallow waters and in closer proximity to beachgoers.

A sea lion suffering from domoic acid poisoning was rescued from Carlsbad Boulevard by police, aided by SeaWorld's Rescue Team, as reported by the City of Carlsbad.

Phoebe Beltran was in the homestretch of her 1,000-yard swim when she suddenly felt an intense pain as the sea lion bit her right arm.

Hundreds of sea lions have died amid a toxic algae bloom, with some animals becoming dangerous and acting erratically.

A 15-year-old girl named Phoebe Beltran was attacked by a sea lion during a lifeguard tryout in Long Beach, Calif., authorities said.

In recent weeks, hundreds of sea lions, dolphins and other animals have turned up in the sand dead or seriously ill, alarming rescuers and beachgoers alike.

SeaWorld's rescue team told CBS 8 that affected sea lions in need of urgent care have been turning up in odd places.

15-year-old Phoebe Beltran has several cuts on her right arm and was hospitalized following the confrontation with the animal on Sunday. Although she has since been released from the hospital and was well enough to return to school, she said the attack has left her shaken up.