LOCAL : 2 Dead Sea Lions at Huntington
Two more dead sea lions washed ashore today in Orange County, raising to 33 the total since the unexplained deaths began Jan. 21, the National Marine and Fisheries Service said today.
The carcasses found today were at Huntington City Beach and adjoining Bolsa Chica State Beach. A federal official said the evidence suggests that deaths are being caused by the sea lions’ becoming trapped in fishing nets.
“I’m beginning to believe the sea lions are dying through interaction with fishermen’s nets out at sea,” said Joe Cordaro, a wildlife biologist with the National Marine and Fisheries Service office in Los Angeles. “I have no proof yet, but we are coming to this conclusion because everything else seems to be ruled out.”
Cordaro said necropsies performed Thursday on two sea lions found in Orange County found no evidence of gunshot wounds, parasite infections or illnesses.
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