The 'Seasquatch' Is Back: A Hidden Sea Star Lair Off California

Researchers found 18 adult sunflower sea stars at Sea Ranch, California — the largest, southernmost group seen since the species crashed.

Dubbed the 'Sasquatch of the Sea,' the species lost over 99% of its California population after a disease outbreak from 2013.

These predators can grow 24 arms and span three feet, and they devour the purple urchins that strip kelp forests bare.

Northern California has lost more than 95% of its bull kelp, replaced by 'urchin barrens.'

The 2025 find offers a rare shot at natural recovery and breeding for a critically endangered animal.