Federal Probe Launched After Man Filmed Kicking Sea Lion in CA

WHO:

NBC News - Federal officials are investigating the incident.

San Diego Union-Tribune - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is involved in the investigation.

San Diego Union-Tribune - PETA and the Sierra Club Seal Society shared the video online.

WHAT:

NBC News - A man appeared to kick and harass a protected sea lion.

San Diego Union-Tribune - The video shows a person chasing and kicking a sea lion, which is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

San Diego Union-Tribune - NOAA stated that such actions may be punishable through fines or jail time.

San Diego Union-Tribune - PETA described the act as "assault" and emphasized the need to report such incidents.

WHERE:

NBC News - The incident occurred on a city-operated beach in California.

San Diego Union-Tribune - The specific location mentioned is La Jolla Cove.

WHEN:

San Diego Union-Tribune - The video was posted online on a Wednesday night.

San Diego Union-Tribune - NOAA stated that the investigation is ongoing.

WHY:

San Diego Union-Tribune - The incident is being investigated due to the illegal harassment of a protected species.

HOW:

San Diego Union-Tribune - The video shows the individual taunting and then kicking the sea lion in the face before chasing it.

(UPDATED July 26, 2026 16:17 UTC)

Federal officials are currently investigating an incident involving a man who was filmed kicking and harassing a protected sea lion at La Jolla Cove in California. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, along with organizations like PETA and the Sierra Club Seal Society, are involved in the case, emphasizing that such actions are illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and may lead to fines or jail time. The video, which was shared online, shows the individual taunting the sea lion before kicking it in the face, prompting calls for action against this type of assault on wildlife.