Authorities are investigating after a sea lion was found with a gunshot wound on its back in Orange County. The sea lion died a day later. / Photo courtesy NOAA Office of Law Enforcement
ORANGE COUNTY, Calif. - A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information surrounding the shooting death of a sea lion found in Orange County.
According to the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement, the California sea lion was discovered on Bolsa Chica State Beach on Aug 7 suffering from a gunshot wound to its back.
The California sea lion was estimated to be about 2 years old when it was found.
A rescue organization tried to nurse the sea lion back to health, but it died the next day, officials said. A bullet was recovered from its carcass.
"Sea lions and other marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which carries civil penalties up to $34,457, up to a year in prison, and forfeiture of any vessel involved," the NOAA said in a statement.
A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects involved.
Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-853-1964 or report it online.