California sea lion dies after being shot; police hunt for gunman

Federal officials are searching for the suspect who shot and killed a sea lion in California this week.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced the incident in an Oct. 9 press release. The sea lion was found injured at Bolsa Chica State Beach Monday.

The animal, still alive when officials photographed him, was 2 years old. Sea lions typically have a lifespan of 20 to 30 years.

The young male was initially “found alive between lifeguard stations 22 and 23,” according to the NOAA.

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Authorities are searching for the gunman who shot a sea lion at a California beach. (NOAA/Getty Images)

“The Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Orange County rescued the male sea lion, but it died from its injuries the following day,” the grim statement added.

“An examination found that the approximately 2-year-old sea lion had a fresh gunshot wound in its back.”

Sea lions tend to be curious and non-aggressive toward humans. If found, the suspect will be prosecuted under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

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The sea lion, which was found alive but later died, was shot in the back. (NOAA)

“The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the harassment, hunting, capturing or killing of sea lions and other marine mammals,” the NOAA explained. “However, the law allows for non-lethal methods to deter marine mammals from damaging private property, including fishing gear and catch, if it does not injure or kill an animal.”

Officials believe there were several witnesses at the Orange County beach at the time of the incident. The NOAA is offering up to $20,000 for information leading to the conviction or a civil penalty of the suspect.