An 18-year-old has pleaded guilty to attacking a sea lion at a popular California beach, as authorities consider whether parts of the area should be closed to better protect local wildlife.
Tyler Muehl pleaded guilty in federal court on Thursday to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act, after a viral video showed him repeatedly kicking a sea lion at La Jolla Cove in San Diego.
Muehl admitted in his plea agreement that he kicked at the animal four times, making contact on each occasion. The footage showed him approaching the sea lion with his hands raised as though preparing to fight it.
The offence carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $US100,000 ($153,000) fine.
The incident has renewed concerns about visitors getting too close to the sea lions at the popular coastal attraction, which is part of a protected marine reserve.
California Coastal Commission members discussed the possibility of partially closing La Jolla Cove on Friday, arguing that stronger measures are needed to protect the animals.
Commissioner Matt O’Malley said he was frustrated by what he described as the city’s failure to adequately protect wildlife.
“I’m, quite honestly, just embarrassed to be a city of San Diego resident right now,” he said.
“Frankly, I’m sick and tired of the failure of the city to implement the previously proposed plan in a co-ordinated way.”
O’Malley said the area needed more park rangers and suggested a partial closure could be necessary.
“I’m at the point where I believe a partial closure is the only way to deal with this issue until the city gets their program implementation figured out and investigates what is going on here. I’m sorry to have to be an advocate for that at this point.”
Other commissioners also raised concerns about the increasing pressure on wildlife.
Commission vice chair Caryl Hart said the situation had “gotten worse and worse instead of better” in recent months.
“It is completely out of control… but how can we protect these natural resources?” she asked.
The issue extends beyond individual incidents. Tourists have been known to approach sea lions too closely, sometimes for photographs and selfies, despite warnings from authorities.
Human interaction can be particularly dangerous for young sea lions, as mothers may abandon pups after people have interfered with them.
About 40 per cent of sea lion pups born at La Jolla Cove have died this year.
The San Diego mayor’s office has not committed to a seasonal or permanent closure of the cove.
A staff member for Mayor Todd Gloria said authorities were continuing to consider ways to balance public access with wildlife protection.
“Making sure we are ensuring coastal access and also preventing any incidents is something that has been challenging, but something we have been… trying to come up with solutions (for),” she said.
“We are constantly evaluating what measures we can use.”
La Jolla Cove is one of San Diego’s best-known coastal attractions, with rocky cliffs, clear water and popular summer snorkelling spots.
Tripadvisor named it the No. 1 beach in the US earlier this year.
The latest incident has put renewed focus on whether the cove can continue to welcome large numbers of visitors while protecting the sea lions that live there.
Image: Instagram
