Fauna Journal Entry

California Sea Lions are Sick (October 2, 2004)

Dozens of California sea lions died recently along the state's northern and central coasts, according to the Marine Mammal Center. A disease caused by bacteria is the most likely reason for the deaths but more tests need to be done.

More than 300 sea lions were rescued at the center this year. Nearly half had kidney disease, and about half of the sick seals died. Veterinarians say a similar outbreak hits sea lions every three or four years. The last outbreak was in 2000. They aren't sure what causes the periodic rise in the harmful bacteria but think it's spread in the urine of infected animals.

The good news is the overall health of the California sea lion population has improved. The number of pups born each year has nearly tripled over the last thirty years. Their estimated population is over 200,000 animals. The sea lions are found along the Pacific coast from southern Mexico to southern Canada. They breed off the Channel Islands in California and near the coasts of Baja California, Mexico.