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San Diego 18-year-old pleads guilty to kicking protected sea lion in attack caught on video
ABC7 Los Angeles • • nation
Key Points:
- Tyler Muehl, an 18-year-old from La Jolla, pleaded guilty to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act after video showed him kicking and chasing a protected sea lion at La Jolla Cove beach on July 22.
- The viral video captures Muehl kicking the sea lion multiple times as it tries to escape, with Muehl admitting to four kicks, landing at least two on the animal.
- Muehl acknowledged the video as a fair and accurate recording as part of his plea agreement, with the incident investigated by NOAA-Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement.
- NOAA guidelines recommend staying at least 50 feet away from protected marine mammals, and officials emphasized that intentionally harming such animals is illegal and harmful.
- Muehl faces up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine, with sentencing scheduled for October 20.
