NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for any information that leads to a civil penalty or criminal conviction in the case of a California sea lion that was found with a gunshot wound.
The male sea lion was discovered alive on August 7th between lifeguard towers 22 and 23 at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Orange County, California. Sadly, despite being rescued by the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, the sea lion succumbed to his injuries the following day.
An examination revealed that the young sea lion, estimated to be around two years old, had a fresh gunshot wound on his back. Authorities are actively seeking information about the individual responsible for this horrific act and any circumstances surrounding the incident.
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, it is illegal to harass, hunt, capture, or kill sea lions and other marine mammals. While non-lethal deterrence methods are allowed to protect property, these actions must not result in injury or death to the animals.
