Federal fisheries officials are seeking information after a man was seen removing the head of a dead sea lion on Point Pinos Beach in Pacific Grove, California. The incident occurred around 8:40 p.m. on July 27, according to a news release issued by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries.
Authorities report that a male suspect, described as about 5 feet 9 inches tall, bald, with a full beard and appearing to be in his late 50s to early 60s, was observed decapitating the sea lion. He then placed the animal’s head in a zip-style plastic bag and left the scene in a late-model white Cadillac Escalade.
The cause of death for the sea lion is currently unknown. NOAA officials noted that “harassing, harming, killing or feeding sea lions is prohibited under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, as is collecting marine mammal protected species parts.” Violations of this federal law can result in penalties including up to one year in jail and fines up to $100,000.
NOAA Fisheries has offered a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest or conviction related to this case. Anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at 800-853-1964.
Pacific Grove is located just west of Monterey and about 120 miles south of San Francisco. According to NOAA data, male California sea lions can grow as long as 7.5 feet and weigh up to 700 pounds; they are classified as a protected species under federal law.
