Video appears to show a person kicking a sea lion; federal officials investigating

Federal wildlife authorities are investigating a video that appears to show a person kicking a protected sea lion at La Jolla Cove in San Diego, California. NOAA’s spokesperson confirmed an ongoing inquiry but did not share further details on Sunday. In the footage, the person chases the sea lion and throws multiple kicks as the animal tries to move away, while another person can be heard laughing in the background. NOAA Fisheries’ Office of Law Enforcement is investigating reports of the social media clip and says the individual has not been publicly identified. Sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and NOAA guidelines advise staying at least 50 feet (15 meters) away.