SONOMA CO. (KRON) — Sonoma County Health officials are warning people of toxic algae found in the Russian River.
According to health officials, traces of anatoxin, a blue-green type of algae were discovered at four public beaches along the Russian River. The toxic algae was responsible for the death of a dog last year at the river.
One percent was the level at the time when the dog drank water from the river, but now officials are saying the levels could rise.
Signs have been posted at all ten public beaches along the river, and warning to keep dogs and children away from the blue-green blooms.
The toxic algae can cause muscle tremors, and in several cases it could lead to seizures and death.
Officials said the algae grows in warm water during a drought.