In recent weeks, hundreds of sea lions, dolphins and other animals have turned up in the sand dead or seriously ill, alarming rescuers and beachgoers alike.

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.

A teenage girl, 15, was attacked by a sea lion while completing her lifeguard cadet swim test on Sunday in Long Beach. Phoebe Beltran was swimming near a lifeguard tower when the sea lion unexpectedly bit her,