Overview

• The decapitation, partially captured on video, occurred around 8:40 p.m. on July 27 at Point Pinos Beach in Pacific Grove.
• NOAA says the sea lion was already dead before its head was removed, and the cause of death remains undetermined.
• Witness accounts state the suspect placed the head in a Ziploc-style plastic bag before departing the beach.
• Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, possessing parts of protected marine mammals is illegal and can carry fines up to $100,000 and up to a year in jail per violation.
• Tips can be reported to the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at 800-853-1964, with contact information required to qualify for the reward; NOAA has offered the same reward in a separate Bodega Bay case.