CALIFORNIA – The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced on March 11 it is offering a $20,000 reward for tips leading to a penalty or conviction in the case of a decapitated California sea lion.
The sea lion was found dead at Doran Regional Park in Bodega Bay on December 25.
NOAA said later that day, a park staff member discovered that someone had decapitated the deceased sea lion.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the harassment, hunting, capturing, or killing of sea lions and other marine mammals.
Suspect seen with a black 8-inch knife
Law enforcement is seeking information on the person who decapitated the animal and any other details surrounding the incident.
An eyewitness reported that the suspect is a tan-complexioned male, around 30–40 years old, dressed in all black and riding a black fat-tire e-bike.
The witness saw him use a black 8-inch knife to decapitate the sea lion, place the head in a clear plastic bag, and then ride away.
Anyone with information about the sea lion decapitation should call NOAA’s 24/7 enforcement hotline at (800) 853-1964.
To report a dead, injured, or stranded marine mammal, call the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network: (866) 767-6114.
 announced, March 11, that its law enforcement office is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to a civil penalty or criminal conviction in the decapitation of a California sea lion.){kind=link}