An injured sea lion found at Bolsa Chica State Beach this summer died from a gunshot wound to the back, according to officials who are now offering a $20,000 reward for information about the shooting.
The 2-year-old male sea lion was discovered between two lifeguard stations on an Orange County beach on Aug. 7, NOAA Fisheries announced in an Instagram post Wednesday. The Pacific Marine Mammal Center recovered the animal, but it died the next day. An examination revealed that the sea lion had a fresh gunshot wound to its back.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration law enforcement officials are asking for the public's help in finding those responsible for the sea lion's disappearance. A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for any information that could lead to a civil penalty or criminal conviction for the person or persons responsible.
The federal Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits harassing, hunting, capturing or killing sea lions and other marine mammals. Violators may face criminal penalties and fines of up to $34,000, along with confiscation of any vessels involved in the incident.
Anyone with information about the shooting can call the NOAA Law Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964. Dead or stranded marine animals can be reported to the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network at (866) 767-6114.
