Sea Lion Found On OC Beach Shot; $20K Reward Offered For Info

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — Federal law enforcement agents are offering a $20,000 reward for information in the shooting of a 2-year-old sea lion found in Orange County early August.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the sea lion was found on the shores of Bolsa Chica State Beach with a bullet in the chest. The animal was rescued by the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, though the sea lion later died of its wounds.

The incident was reported to the NOAA law enforcement division, who announced Tuesday that the $20,000 reward would be offered with the hope that the incentive will unveil information about the wildlife shooting.

"We offered the reward in this case because the shot animal was found on a very public beach and we hope that the reward will help prompt anyone who saw or heard something to report it to us," NOAA spokesman Michael Milstein told The Orange County Register. "The animal was found alive with a relatively fresh gunshot wound that caused its death shortly afterward."

According to the NOAA, the state prohibits the harassment, hunting, capturing or killing of marine mammals and penalties of up to $34,457, up to a year in prison, and forfeiture of any vessel involved could be involved.

Anyone with information was urged to call 1-800-853-1964.