California sea lion dies after being shot; police hunt for gunman

Federal officials are searching for the fishy who shot and killed a oversea lion successful California this week.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the incidental successful an Oct. 9 property release. The sea lion was recovered injured astatine Bolsa Chica State Beach Monday.

The animal, inactive live erstwhile officials photographed him, was 2 years old. Sea lions typically person a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.

The young antheral was initially "found live betwixt lifeguard stations 22 and 23," according to the NOAA.

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Authorities are searching for the gunman who changeable a oversea lion astatine a California beach. (NOAA/Getty Images)

"The Pacific Marine Mammal Center successful Orange County rescued the antheral oversea lion, but it died from its injuries the pursuing day," the grim connection added.

"An introspection recovered that the astir 2-year-old oversea lion had a caller gunshot coiled successful its back."

Sea lions thin to beryllium funny and non-aggressive toward humans. If found, the fishy volition beryllium prosecuted nether the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). 

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The oversea lion, which was recovered live but aboriginal died, was changeable successful the back. (NOAA)

"The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the harassment, hunting, capturing oregon sidesplitting of oversea lions and different marine mammals," the NOAA explained. "However, the instrumentality allows for non-lethal methods to deter marine mammals from damaging backstage property, including sportfishing cogwheel and catch, if it does not injure oregon termination an animal."

Officials judge determination were respective witnesses astatine the Orange County formation astatine the clip of the incident. The NOAA is offering up to $20,000 for accusation starring to the condemnation oregon a civilian punishment of the suspect. 

Bolsa Chica State Beach Jan. 11, 2024, successful Orange County, Calif. (Irfan Khan/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

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Anyone with accusation astir the incidental is encouraged to telephone the NOAA's hotline astatine 800-853-1964.