Officials are continuing to search for a suspect who fatally shot a sea lion in Orange County this past August.
According to a bulletin put out by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and recirculated by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, the California sea lion was found with a bullet wound in its back at Bolsa Chica State Beach on Aug. 7.
A rescue organization recovered the injured animal, which was estimated to be about two years old, but it died the next day, the NOAA said. A bullet was recovered from its carcass.
Sea lions, like other marine mammals, are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act; those who violate the law can face civil penalties up to $34,457, up to a year in prison and forfeiture of any vessel involved.
A $20,000 reward has been offered for information on the shooting that leads to the issuance of a civil penalty or a criminal conviction, the NOAA said.
Those with information are asked to call 1-800-853-1964 or visit this link.
