Authorities are urgently seeking leads in a shocking case of wildlife mutilation that occurred at Doran Beach. According to a press release from NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement, a California sea lion was found decapitated on Christmas Day at Doran Regional Park. The gruesome discovery prompted NOAA officials to announce a reward of up to $20,000 for any information leading to a civil penalty or criminal conviction.

The decomposing sea lion was initially found dead but was later desecrated when a park staff member discovered the head had been removed. According to reports, an eyewitness described the perpetrator as a tan-complexioned male between the ages of 30–and 40. He was seen wearing all black and riding a black fat-tire e-bike. The assailant allegedly used a black 8-inch knife to sever the sea lion's head, placed it in a clear plastic bag, and then departed the scene on his e-bike.

The brutal act violates the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which is designed to safeguard sea lions and other marine mammals from harassment, hunting, capture, or killing. The defacement of this sea creature not only contravenes federal law but is also a signal of the darker undercurrents of disregard for wildlife that can surface in our communities.

NOAA's 24/7 enforcement hotline at (800) 853-1964 is open for anyone with potential leads or information about this disturbing event. Concerned citizens, or those who may know something are encouraged to step forward, a $20,000 reward is waiting for that one crucial tip that could bring the perpetrator to justice. Furthermore, anyone encountering a dead, injured, or stranded marine mammal should immediately contact the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network by calling (866) 767-6114.