From ABC7 New York · · 1m 10s
Sea lion beheaded at SF beach sparks investigation
Dead sea lion found beheaded at San Francisco's Ocean Beach prompts federal probe into illegal marine mammal killings
In brief
Dead sea lion found beheaded at San Francisco's Ocean Beach prompts federal probe into illegal marine mammal killings Decapitating sea lions is a federal crime under the Marine Mammal Protection Act with up to one year in jail and $36,000 fines Originally reported by ABC7 New York.
Dead sea lion found
Authorities discovered a dead sea lion washed ashore at San Francisco's Ocean Beach that was subsequently decapitated.
“Maybe the person who did this didn't know that it was illegal, or maybe they did”
Wildlife expert explains
California Academy of Sciences expert Sue Pemberton says the decapitation likely occurred post-mortem by someone unaware of the illegal nature of the act.
“Sometimes the legality of it doesn't really stop people”
Not isolated incident
A separate decapitated sea lion was found further down the coast at Pacific Grove beach.
Federal law prohibits
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, collecting parts from a sea lion carcass is illegal and punishable by up to one year in jail and $36,000 in fines.
Public urged to report
Anyone who finds a dead marine mammal should leave it alone and report the sighting to wildlife authorities or the Marine Mammal Stranding Network.
What it means
Decapitating sea lions is a federal crime under the Marine Mammal Protection Act with up to one year in jail and $36,000 fines
