A California man pleaded guilty to harassing a sea lion
Tyler Muel, 18, of the La Jolla area in San Diego, pleaded guilty to violating the U.S. Marine Mammal Protection Act. According to federal prosecutors, he admitted to chasing a sea lion and kicking it. He faces up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000, The Guardian reports.
According to court documents, on the evening of July 22, 2026, Muel approached a sea lion that was sitting peacefully on a wall in La Jolla Cove near Ellen Browning Scripps Park. He raised his arms as if preparing for a fight and identified himself as former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway.
Muel admitted to kicking the animal four times. He struck the sea lion twice in the face, causing it to flinch, recoil, and attempt to flee. According to the prosecutor’s office, Muel pursued the animal and struck it a third time when it stumbled against a wall. After the fourth blow, the sea lion climbed over the seawall and made its way to a neighboring beach.
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A video of the incident appeared on social media a few days later. In court, Muel agreed that the widely circulated footage accurately depicted the events. The charges were filed and he pleaded guilty on the same day, and sentencing is tentatively scheduled for October 20.
Muel may remain free until sentencing, but the court ordered him to abstain from alcohol and marijuana. Southern District of California U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon stated that a federal crime will have federal consequences. Eric Morgan, a law enforcement representative with the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), emphasized that intentionally striking marine mammals—particularly with a foot—is illegal and dangerous to the animals. The agency advises keeping a distance of at least 46 meters from sea lions, seals, and other protected species.
