An 18-year-old La Jolla man has pleaded guilty to violating federal law after a disturbing attack on a California sea lion. Tyler Muehl admitted to approaching the animal while it rested on a sea wall near Point La Jolla late on the night of July 22, 2026. According to the U.S. Attorney's office, Muehl kicked the sea lion four times, striking the animal twice in the face. When the creature attempted to escape, Muehl chased it along the wall until it managed to flee into the water.
The incident gained significant attention after a video of the encounter was shared on Snapchat and Instagram. The footage sparked outrage across the La Jolla community and caught the attention of federal investigators. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration launched an investigation into the assault, leading to the charges filed against Muehl.
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Muehl faces a potential penalty of one year in federal prison and a fine of up to $100,000. He is scheduled for sentencing on October 20. Federal authorities maintain that the harassment of marine mammals remains a serious offense and warn the public against approaching or disturbing wildlife along the coast.
Anyone who witnesses future violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act is encouraged to contact the NOAA Office of Law Enforcement. Protecting the local sea lion population at Point La Jolla remains a priority for local authorities following this incident.