BRK: Record numbers of sickened sea lion pups in S California “Something has changed” “We are prepping in the back of our heads for the worst

They have loose, rolling skin and their ribs show through their tiny brown bodies. There is a glaze in their large round eyes. When they flop or lay down on the cement dry areas, it’s not the normal lounging that healthy California sea lions typically do for hours on end. Even their whiskers seem droopy. These pups are sick.

[...] As of Feb. 11, 2013 the [Marine Mammal Care Center in San Pedro] has received more than 100 pups. [...]

David Bard, director of operations [ says ...] “We really aren’t sure why we are seeing so many now. Usually January is a relatively quiet time for us. This has taken us all by surprise.”

[...] “We are prepping in the back of our heads for the ‘worst case scenario’ if this condition still persists,” he says. “We’re taking it day by day.” [...]

[link to enenews.com]