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 decapitation of a California sea lion. It was found dead at Doran Regional Park in Bodega Bay, California on December 25. Later that day, a park staff member discovered that someone had decapitated the deceased sea lion.
Law enforcement is seeking information on the person who decapitated the animal and any other details surrounding the incident. An eyewitness described the suspect as a tan-complexioned male, 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.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the harassment, hunting, capturing, or killing of sea lions and other marine mammals.
Anyone with information about the sea lion decapitation should call NOAA’s 24/7 enforcement hotline at (800) 853-1964.
To report a dead, injured, or stranded marine mammal, call the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network: (866) 767-6114.
