An 18-year-old resident of La Jolla, Tyler Muehl, entered a guilty plea on Thursday for a federal charge related to the harassment of a sea lion. According to statements from U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, the incident took place on July 22 at La Jolla Cove. Muehl admitted to kicking the protected animal multiple times as it attempted to retreat from him along a sea wall.
The act was captured on video and later circulated online. The footage shows Muehl pursuing the sea lion and delivering several kicks while bystanders can be heard laughing in the background. In his plea agreement, Muehl confirmed the accuracy of the video evidence, acknowledging that he struck the animal at least twice during the encounter.
This behavior stands in direct violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Federal officials from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration emphasize that human contact with these animals poses significant risks to their health and safety. Their guidelines mandate that individuals maintain a distance of at least 50 feet from sea lions and similar marine species.
Eric Morgan of the NOAA-Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement described the action as both illegal and dangerous for the animal involved. Muehl is currently awaiting his sentencing date, which is set for October 20. He faces a maximum penalty of one year in federal prison and a potential fine of $100,000 for his actions.