The first cases of Osteofluorosis in free-ranging California Sea Lions were identified in a study done by the Marine Mammal Center, Sealife Response, Rehabilitation, and Research, UC Davis, and the Noyo Center. Osteofluorosis is a disease caused by the excess consumption of fluoride that affects the bone and teeth structures. In the past, herbivores such as cows and kangaroos have been identified with this issue, but this is the first known incident for sea lions. Sarah Grimes from the Noyo Center describes her role in the study and discusses the importance of sea lions as sentinels of the sea.
Photo of sea lion jaw bones provided by Sarah Grimes
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