An investigation is underway regarding a recent video posted to social media, showing what appears to be a late night, violent encounter between a person and a sea lion in La Jolla.
A video was posted and widely distributed this week in which a man is seen kicking or attempting to kick a sea lion multiple times as it was resting on a sitting wall in La Jolla. The exact time and date of the video have not been confirmed, but some re-posts include a time stamp of 11:50 p.m. on July 22.
In the video, the person is seen getting into a defensive stance and then laughing and kicking at the sea lion, which then turned and scooted away. The person followed the animal, continuing to kick at it. Eventually, the sea lion climbed over the wall and the video cut.
Re-posts of the video have garnered thousands of comments, some of which came from the San Diego Police Department.
“We have been made aware of this incident through numerous tags and messages,” the SDPD posted in a comment on one of the posts. “We agree this behavior is completely unacceptable. The incident was not originally reported to the San Diego Police Department. It is being investigated by (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. We appreciate the public’s concern and encourage anyone with relevant information to contact the investigating agencies.”
Those with information about the incident are encouraged to contact NOAA at (800) 853-1964.
Additionally, Sierra Club Seal Society president Robyn Davidoff told the La Jolla Light, “This video shows an intentional and repeated abuse of a sea lion which is protected by the (Marine Mammal Protection Act) and is a federal crime subject to a fine and time in prison.”
Representatives of the city of San Diego and the Sierra Club Seal Society recently spoke at a California Coastal Commission meeting about management strategies that have been implemented at La Jolla Cove to minimize human interactions with sea lions. The item was information only and no vote was taken.
During Coastal Commission comments, member Caryl Hart inquired about patrolling at night, but city representatives said the city currently does not have a program for night enforcement.
“(It) might be something to consider down the road if this turns out to be a significant problem,” Hart said.
The city would have to apply for a permit for such a program.