Key Points
- A surfer was attacked by pelicans at Bolsa Chica State Beach, Huntington Beach, CA.
- Surfer Justin suffered only minor injuries and received immediate aid from lifeguards.
- Pelican attacks on humans are extremely rare, typically caused by hunger or feeling threatened.
When it comes to surfers, and encounters with marine wildlife, the mind wanders to the usual suspects – sharks, dolphins, seals, maybe even whales.
But a rare encounter happened recently in Huntington Beach, CA. A surfer was attacked by a group of pelicans while in the water at Bolsa Chica State Beach.
Luckily, he lived to tell the tale.
Dave Gibbs (aka @bolsadave), a surf photographer, posted images from the incident. They show the surfer – who only goes by the name Justin – being attended to by lifeguards. He has an icepack on his forehead, presumably where the bird made its strike…