San Diego man pleads guilty to kicking protected sea lion in an attack caught on video
Tyler Muehl, an 18-year-old from La Jolla, pleaded guilty to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act on Thursday. The incident occurred on July 22 at La Jolla Cove beach, where a video captured Muehl repeatedly kicking and chasing a protected sea lion. According to U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon, Muehl kicked the sea lion four times, with at least two kicks landing on the animal.
The video, which went viral, also shows Muehl throwing kicks at the sea lion while at least one other person can be heard laughing. As part of his plea agreement, Muehl acknowledged that the video accurately depicts the attack. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's guidelines recommend maintaining a 50-foot distance from sea lions, seals, and other protected marine mammals.
If convicted, Muehl faces up to a year in prison and a fine of $100,000 when sentenced on October 20.
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