Photo by Mark Larson
Humboldt County's has one of the richest and most diverse populations of marine life in California, as well as some 135,558 people, plus visitors. My family, like many others, is particularly active in the waterways, especially kayaking and surfing in spaces shared by other mammals. Even though we know the animals are there, encounters come as a surprise and can have frightening or even dangerous consequences unless we are aware and prepared.
Paul O'Connor tests the waters of Big Lagoon for the Big Lagoon Rancheria, often while kayaking near sunrise. He has witnessed an array of wildlife at various locations and seasonal intervals, including Roosevelt elk herds feeding inside the lagoon at least six times per year. I have personally spotted them at several places at the shoreline.