Sea lion found with gunshot wound on Orange County beach dies

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Authorities are investigating after a sea lion was found with a gunshot wound to its back in Orange County. The sea lion died a day later. / Photo courtesy of NOAA Office of Law Enforcement

Orange County, California. – A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information about the shooting death of a sea lion found in Orange County.

According to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, the California sea lion was discovered at Bolsa Chica State Beach on August 7, suffering from a gunshot wound to the back.

A rescue organization attempted to care for the sea lion, but it died the next day, officials said. A bullet was recovered from his carcass.

“Sea lions and other marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which provides civil penalties of up to $34,457, up to one year in prison and confiscation of any vessel involved,” NOAA said in a statement.

A reward of up to $20,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects involved.

Anyone with information is asked to call 1-800-853-1964 or report online.