Investigators with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will review a viral social media video that appeared to show an assault on a California sea lion.
The video posted to Instagram and Snapchat appeared to show a young man harassing and kicking the sea animal late Wednesday night at La Jolla Cove.
The incident has sparked outrage online and among visitors to the popular coastal area, where protected sea lions regularly gather. A low wall is supposed to keep the public at a safe distance.
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California sea lions rest on the rocks at La Jolla Cove on July 24, 2026. Visitors are required to stay a safe distance from them under the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act.
According to the social media post, the video was recorded shortly before midnight Wednesday. It appears to show a young man harassing and then kicking a California sea lion that was resting on the low protective wall. At least one other person appears to be recording the encounter while laughing.
Julissa Garza, a tourist visiting from Texas, said she was disturbed after watching the video.
“(I say) press charges immediately to the full extent of the law because they’re innocent creatures,” Garza said.
San Diego city park rangers patrol La Jolla Cove daily, educating visitors, answering questions and enforcing rules intended to protect the marine mammals. Breeding season is approaching, making it especially important for people to keep their distance.
Heidi Woo, who frequently visits the Cove from Carmel Valley, said people who ignore the rules should be held accountable for violations.
“They’ve been warned. They’ve seen the signs, and if they still do that, I think there definitely should be consequences,” she said.
San Diego police said they became aware of the video after receiving numerous tags and messages from the public on Instagram.
In an online statement, the department said: “We appreciate the public’s concern and encourage anyone with relevant information to contact the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.”
Ben Schorr, a San Diego tour guide, said people getting too close to the animals is already a concern.
“Even (other) video that you see or if you’re here in person, when people get too close, you understand the danger. That video online now is really unforgivable,” Schorr said.
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A San Diego city park ranger meets with visitors on Friday to educate them about marine animals and the law, July 24, 2026.
The Sierra Club’s Seal Society reported the incident and said it will continue to monitor the investigation.
“That kind of behavior is not acceptable. Whether it’s a person being punched or an animal. (The sea lions) are a protected species. That was an assault, and they should be prosecuted for it,” Robyn Davidoff, chair of the Sierra Club Seal Society, told NBC San Diego.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed NOAA is leading the investigation to determine if criminal charges should be filed.
This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC San Diego. AI tools helped convert the story to a digital article, and an NBC San Diego journalist edited the article for publication.