Man faces charges for harassing sea lions in Monterey park
A troubling incident occurred in Monterey, California. A man mistreated animals in Sister City Park by scaring sea lions with tape, causing the frightened animals to fall off a rock.
10:46 AM EST, November 4, 2024
Unfortunately for the perpetrator, a video from Monterey, California, was uploaded online. It shows a man, probably a tourist, dressed in a blue shirt, waving a piece of yellow tape he had ripped off the fence in front of the sea lions.
Authorities trying to identify the man
The frightened animals subsequently fell off the rock ledge while the remaining sea lions hurried down the hill in panic. A group of tourists witnessed the entire incident. Local authorities are attempting to identify the aggressive man, as disturbing the peace of marine mammals is a federal offense.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) claims it has contacted the Monterey Police Department to see if anyone can identify the man.
The attacker faces fines and imprisonment
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, capturing, killing, or harassing sea lions and other mammals is illegal. Individuals who violate the law may be fined up to $34,000 and face up to a year in prison.
"The animals and nature in Monterey Bay are unique and practically unrivaled. This happens too often without consequences. What is the point of rules and laws if they are not enforced?" ask internet users in the video posted online.
Source: abc7news.com
