LAGUNA BEACH, Calif. (AP) — Federal scientists say the number of sea lion pups stranded on California beaches is spiking and is now higher than the total for all of 2013, the last time large numbers of pups starved.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Monday at least 1,650 sea lion pups have been rescued since Jan. 1.
That's 250 more than in all of 2013, and the number will surge as more rescues are tallied this week.
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The Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach has rescued 285 pups and doubled volunteer staffing to care for them.
The U.S. Navy and the National Marine Mammal Foundation have sent volunteers to help.
Scientists suspect that warmer waters are impacting the sea lion birthing grounds along the Channel Islands off the Southern California coast.