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.”

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.

Phoebe Beltran immediately screamed for help, which is when the animal -- she later found out was a sea lion -- let go of her arm. She was assisted back to the shore and a lifeguard boat patrolling the water brought all the other swimmers to safety,