Sea lion shot dead in California: $20,000 reward offered
A terrible incident occurred on a beach in Southern California. A sea lion was shot there. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced a reward of $20,000 for information that will help identify the perpetrators.
11 October 2024 08:29
The injured animal was found on Bolsa Chica Beach, where it succumbed to its wounds.
Tragic incident
According to NOAA, the male sea lion, estimated to be about two years old, was found between two lifeguard stations on Bolsa Chica State Beach in Orange County.
The animal was severely injured. An autopsy revealed that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the back.
In connection with this tragic event, NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement appealed for help from the local community. To encourage public assistance, they offered a remarkable reward of $20,000. NOAA stated that it would be awarded "for information leading to a civil penalty or criminal conviction" concerning the shooting.
Sea lions
These animals are found in the eastern part of the North Pacific Ocean, from south-central Alaska to the Islas Marías archipelago near Nayarit in Mexico, including the Gulf of California. They are usually seen on beaches, docks, piers, and buoys.
Unfortunately, these marine mammals are vulnerable to illegal human activities. Killing one of these animals violates the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act. This law prohibits the harassment, hunting, capturing, or killing of marine mammals, including sea lions. NOAA highlights that offenders could face fines and risk having any vessels involved in the violation seized.
