San Diego teen pleads guilty to federal wildlife harassment after kicking sea lion

An 18-year-old resident of La Jolla pleaded guilty in federal court to a misdemeanor violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act after video showed him repeatedly kicking a sea lion on a seawall on July 22. The Justice Department said the teen, identified as Tyler Muehl, approached the animal with his fists raised, referred to himself as UFC fighter Max Holloway, and kicked the seal four times before chasing it as it tried to flee.

U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said the case involved a "federal crime. Federal consequences." NOAA official Eric Morgan noted that intentionally striking a marine mammal is illegal and endangers the animal’s well-being. The Department of Justice indicated Muehl could receive up to one year in prison and a fine of $100,000, with sentencing scheduled for Oct. 20.

Animal-rights group PETA posted on social media that assault is assault regardless of species and urged the public to intervene when witnessing abuse. The incident was investigated by NOAA after the video went viral online.