Federal wildlife authorities are investigating after a video appeared to show a man attacking a protected sea lion at a beach in Southern California.
The video appears to show a man wearing a T-shirt and shorts approaching a sea lion resting on a seawall and kicking the animal while another person can be heard laughing in the background. The footage then appears to show the person attempting to kick the sea lion again as the animal retreats from its resting spot.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement is “investigating reports of a video on social media that shows an interaction between an individual and sea lion, allegedly in La Jolla Cove,” the agency said in a social media post on Friday, July 24. “In the video, the individual appears to be kicking the sea lion. This is an ongoing investigation, and we cannot provide further details at this time.”
USA TODAY reached out to NOAA for more information.
‘Disgusting act of animal cruelty is unacceptable’
La Jolla Cove, about 13 miles northwest of downtown San Diego, is a popular destination for its scenic coastal views and protected sea lion population. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said he watched the video and asked local law enforcement to review the footage as well.
“This disgusting act of animal cruelty is unacceptable,” Gloria wrote in a post on X. “We must protect our wildlife.”
In a comment posted on Instagram, the San Diego Police Department confirmed federal officials are investigating the incident.
“We appreciate the public’s concern and encourage anyone with relevant information to contact the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration,” the police department wrote.
According to the Marine Mammal Commission, California sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, a federal law enacted in 1972. NOAA says it’s illegal to feed, capture, harm, kill, or harass sea lions, and anyone who violates it faces potential jail time.
Anyone with information about the incident or any other incident involving a mammal being harmed or harassed is asked to contact the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement at 800-853-1964.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on X @nataliealund.
