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By Alice Gibbs and Joshua Rhett Miller
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Federal authorities are investigating after a video appeared to show a man kicking a protected sea lion in California.
A viral video that appears to show a man kicking and harassing a California sea lion near La Jolla Cove in San Diego has sparked outrage online and prompted a federal investigation.
The footage, which circulated widely on social media and was shared by animal rights group PETA, appears to show an individual repeatedly kicking at a sea lion resting near the shoreline before following the animal as it attempts to flee. Laughter can be heard in the background of the video.
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The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed that its Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident.
"NOAA Fisheries' Office of Law Enforcement is investigating reports of a video on social media that shows an interaction between an individual and sea lion, allegedly in La Jolla Cove, California. In the video, the individual appears to be kicking the sea lion. This is an ongoing investigation, and we cannot provide further details at this time," a NOAA spokesperson told Newsweek.
The person shown in the video has not been publicly identified and no charges have been announced as of Monday.
Could the Man in the Viral Sea Lion Video Face Jail Time?
"Sea lions are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA). Actions or attempts to harass, harm, pursue, feed, capture, injure, restrain (no matter how temporarily), or kill may be punishable through fines or jail time," NOAA said.
A person found to have intentionally kicked a sea lion could face both civil and criminal penalties under federal law. Sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits harassment of marine mammals. Federal officials say violations can result in civil penalties of up to $36,498 per violation, while willful violations may carry criminal penalties including fines and up to one year in prison.
Depending on the facts of the case and whether the animal was injured, additional penalties under California animal cruelty laws could also be considered.
The NOAA said: "If you witness a potential Marine Mammal Protection Act violation, the best way you can help is to report the incident immediately to the NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement at (800) 853-1964. Investigations are most effective when detailed information is provided. Please provide as much information as possible regarding the incident witnessed."
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PETA Calls for Criminal Charges
PETA urged authorities to pursue criminal penalties against whoever is responsible for the incident.
"Assault is assault, no matter the species. This abuser laughed while harassing and kicking a sea lion who was desperately trying to escape," the organization told Newsweek.
"The case is now under investigation by authorities, and PETA urges them to pursue criminal charges. The person responsible should be barred from contact with animals. Everyone can help by leaving animals alone and always speaking up when witnessing abuse."
San Diego Officials Condemn Incident
San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria called the footage a "disgusting act of animal cruelty" in a post on X and said he had directed local law enforcement to review the video.
The incident has renewed concerns about human interactions with wildlife at La Jolla Cove, one of Southern California's best-known sea lion habitats. Conservation groups have long warned that harassment by visitors can disrupt breeding behavior and separate mothers from pups.
The investigation comes amid a wider debate over how to protect sea lions at La Jolla Cove while maintaining public access to one of San Diego's most popular beaches. Earlier this month, the Sierra Club's Seal Society called for additional safeguards after several sea lion pups were found dead in the area. While NOAA said it is not uncommon for some sea lion pups to die each year and no official cause of death was announced, advocates have raised concerns that repeated human disturbances may be placing additional stress on the animals.
"This was an intentional and repeated assault of a sea lion—and that's a protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act," Robyn Davidoff, chair of the Sierra Club's Seal Society, told Newsweek. "So it's a federal crime with fines and possible time in jail, and we think that this person should be prosecuted."
Davidoff said the incident should serve as a warning to visitors interacting with wildlife at the cove.
"We want to get the message out that when you see a wild animal, don't touch it. Try to keep a distance of at least 50 feet and just observe it and enjoy seeing the wildlife," she said.
Davidoff added that while the organization regularly sees tourists crowding around sea lions, taking selfies, and attempting to provoke reactions for photos, the alleged attack shown in the viral video was unusually serious.
Davidoff said she hopes investigators identify the person shown in the footage and pursue the case.
"We would like to make sure that they continue to investigate and identify this person and prosecute this person," she said. "Set an example so that people know that this is not acceptable behavior."
Contact Newsweek editors on this story: John Fitzpatrick and Emma Lee-Sang
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