Stingrays are found in California waters, inhabiting various coastal environments. These marine creatures are common in shallow, sandy areas of beaches and bays.
Common Stingray Species Off California
California waters host several stingray species, with the Round Stingray and the Bat Ray being frequently encountered. The Round Stingray (Urobatis halleri) is common from Humboldt Bay southward to Peru, with higher concentrations in Southern California and Baja California. These rays inhabit shallow, sandy or muddy bottoms, from the intertidal zone to about 15 meters deep. They are found near estuary mouths and shallow bays.
The Round Stingray has a nearly circular body disc, light to dark brown, and can be mottled or spotted, with a whitish-yellow underside. Their tail is shorter than their disc, featuring a sharp, venomous spine midway along its length, along with a true caudal fin. They commonly have a disc width of 25.4 centimeters (10 inches) or less, though they can reach up to 58 centimeters (22 inches) and weigh around 1.3 kilograms (3 pounds).
Another prominent species is the Bat Ray (Myliobatis californica), ranging from Oregon down to the Gulf of California. These rays are abundant in bays, such as Tomales Bay and areas within the San Francisco Bay. Bat Rays inhabit muddy or sandy sloughs, estuaries, bays, and kelp beds or rocky shorelines, living from the surface down to depths of 180 meters. They possess a distinctive kite-shaped body disc with a broad, protruding head and wing-like pectoral fins, which are black or dark brown on top and white underneath. Bat Rays are considerably larger than Round Stingrays, with females reaching a wingspan of up to 1.8 meters (6 feet) and weighing up to 91 kilograms (200 pounds).
Stingray Encounters: Prevention and Care
Stingrays are not aggressive; they sting only when threatened or accidentally stepped upon. Their primary defense involves a barbed spine on their tail, which can inflict a painful puncture wound and inject venom. The venom causes intense pain, swelling, and localized tissue damage. While pain can be severe and may spread, systemic symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or changes in heart rhythm are uncommon.
To minimize stingray encounters, perform the “stingray shuffle” when wading in shallow, sandy waters. This involves shuffling your feet along the bottom rather than lifting them, creating vibrations that alert rays to your presence, allowing them to swim away.
If a stingray sting occurs, immediate first aid is important. First, exit the water promptly. Rinse the wound thoroughly with clean water or seawater to remove any sand, debris, or venom. Apply direct pressure to control bleeding, and gently remove any small, visible barb fragments using tweezers, being careful not to remove any embedded in the head, neck, chest, or abdomen.
The most effective method for pain relief involves soaking the affected area in hot water, as hot as can be tolerated without causing burns, typically between 43°C and 46°C (104°F to 115°F). Continue soaking for 30 to 90 minutes, or until pain significantly subsides. The heat helps neutralize the venom, reducing its effects and alleviating discomfort. After soaking, wash the wound with soap and water.
Seeking medical attention is advisable following any stingray injury. This is especially important for stings to the head, neck, chest, or abdomen, or if there are signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing. Medical professionals can ensure proper wound care, check for deeply embedded barb fragments using X-rays, and determine if antibiotics or a tetanus booster are necessary to prevent infection. Watch for signs of infection, including increased redness, warmth, swelling, fever, or fluid draining from the wound, and seek medical care if these symptoms develop.