WANTED! $20,000 Reward Offered For Information On Decapitated Sea Lion Found At California Beach

In a deeply disturbing case, a California sea lion was found dead at Doran Regional Park in Bodega Bay, California, on December 25th. Later that day, a park staff member discovered that the animal had been decapitated.

Law enforcement is currently searching for the individual responsible for this sickening crime, as well as any information surrounding the incident. An eyewitness described the suspect as a male with a tan complexion, approximately 30–40 years old, dressed in all black, and riding a black fat-tire e-bike. The suspect was seen using a black 8-inch knife to remove the sea lion’s head, placing it in a clear plastic bag, and riding away.

In response, NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to a civil penalty or criminal conviction in the case.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the harassment, hunting, capturing, or killing of sea lions and other marine mammals.

Anyone with information about this heinous crime is urged to call NOAA’s 24/7 law enforcement hotline at (800) 853-1964.

To report a dead, injured, or stranded marine mammal, please contact the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network at (866) 767-6114.