A San Diego man has pleaded guilty to kicking a protected sea lion in what can only be described as the most poorly-conceived life decision since someone decided cargo shorts needed more pockets. The whole unfortunate incident was caught on video, because of course it was — we live in an age where the universe itself seems to have installed security cameras specifically to document humanity’s worst moments.
The marine mammal in question was a California sea lion, a species protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which is a very real federal law that carries very real consequences. This is the kind of thing you’d think wouldn’t need to be spelled out for adults living in a coastal city literally surrounded by sea lion signage, educational pamphlets, and the occasional wildlife ranger with a megaphone. And yet, here we are.
San Diego’s La Jolla Cove area is essentially a sea lion resort — the pinnipeds lounge on rocks, charm tourists, and occasionally steal fish with the confidence of creatures who know they’re legally untouchable. They are, in every meaningful sense, the landlords of that coastline. The man in question apparently disagreed with this arrangement.
Authorities confirmed the kick was captured on video, which prosecutors likely found extremely helpful, in the way that a gift-wrapped present is helpful. Wildlife officials have been increasingly vigilant about sea lion harassment in the San Diego area, where human-wildlife conflicts spike during busy tourist seasons.
The guilty plea means the man now joins a very exclusive and deeply embarrassing club of people who have been federally prosecuted for messing with marine mammals. Violations under the Marine Mammal Protection Act can result in fines up to $100,000 and up to one year in prison — consequences that a 300-pound sea lion will never have to worry about, secure in its federally protected nap.
The sea lion, for its part, was unavailable for comment but was reportedly spotted sunbathing comfortably at La Jolla Cove, entirely unbothered.
Source: AP News
Original story via Reddit Offbeat
