Marine experts say these attacks are not common, but are happening more often. That’s due to a toxic algae bloom that are poisoning marine mammals, making them become aggressive and violent as they travel to shallow water and get closer to humans.

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.

A 15-year-old girl was attacked by a sea lion in Long Beach. Fox - LA Fox - LA. More Videos

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 California teen is recovering after she was attacked by a sea lion. The 15-year-old was training to become a junior lifeguard in Long Beach at the time. Phoebe Beltran said she received multiple injuries from the sea lion,

Two Airbnb guests were surprised to find a sick sea lion on their balcony. The animal was another victim of the toxic algal bloom that has left marine life sick all along the California Coast