Video appears to show a person kicking sea lion on San Diego beach; NOAA investigating

Federal wildlife authorities are investigating an incident at La Jolla Cove in San Diego after a video surfaced appearing to show an individual kicking a protected sea lion. The footage, which gained attention on social media, shows a person repeatedly kicking the animal as it attempts to retreat. Witnesses or bystanders can be heard laughing in the background during the act.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is managing the investigation. An agency spokesperson confirmed the incident is under active review but offered no further details due to the ongoing nature of the case. Enforcement remains a challenge in the area, as the agency relies on a small number of officers and local volunteers to monitor the coastline.

Sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Harassment of these animals is a federal offense that carries significant legal consequences. Convictions for such behavior can lead to civil penalties of up to $36,000 and potential jail time of one year. Federal guidelines explicitly mandate that the public maintains a distance of at least 50 feet from all protected marine mammals.

Local officials are also responding to the footage. San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria labeled the act as animal cruelty and confirmed that he has instructed local law enforcement to review the video. Conservation groups, including the Sierra Club's Seal Society, have expressed concern over the incident, noting that human interference often forces mothers to abandon their pups, leading to increased mortality rates in the area.