Graphic Warning: This story contains graphic details that may be disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.
PACIFIC GROVE, California (WJW) – Authorities are searching for the man accused of decapitating a California sea lion on a beach this past summer.
The incident, which was partially recorded on video, took place on July 27 at Point Pinos Beach in Pacific Grove, authorities from the NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement reported.
Officials said a white man, believed to be in his 50s or 60s, was seen using a hunting knife to cut off the dead sea lion’s head.
The suspect was seen placing the head into a zip-lock plastic bag and subsequently leaving the scene in a newer model white Cadillac Escalade, according to a press release issued by NOAA Fisheries on Monday.
According to investigators, the sea lion was already dead prior to incident and it’s unclear how the animal died.
NOAA Fisheries also released a photograph of the suspect on Monday, offering a reward of up to $20,000 for any information that could lead to his arrest or result in a criminal conviction in this matter.
California sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, meaning harassing, harming, killing or feeding the animals is prohibited.
Officials have stated that breaching the act could result in substantial fines, and if found guilty of a criminal offense, offenders could face a sentence of up to one year in prison for each violation.
Anyone with information should reach out to the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964. Tips can remain anonymous.
They urge anyone who encounters a deceased, injured, or stranded marine mammal in the area to contact the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network at (866) 767-6114.
