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Man pleads guilty to kicking a protected sea lion at a San Diego beach
AP News • • nation
Key Points:
- Tyler Muehl, an 18-year-old from La Jolla, pleaded guilty to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act after being caught on video kicking and chasing a protected sea lion at La Jolla Cove beach on July 22.
- The viral video shows Muehl repeatedly kicking the sea lion, with prosecutors confirming he kicked the animal four times and landed at least two kicks.
- Muehl acknowledged the video as an accurate recording of the incident as part of his plea agreement.
- NOAA guidelines require people to stay at least 50 feet away from protected marine mammals, and officials emphasized that intentionally striking these animals is both illegal and harmful.
- Muehl faces up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine, with sentencing scheduled for October 20.
