SEATTLE – A sea lion found dead on the Nisqually Delta last weekend was shot twice in the head, making it the ninth Sea Lion found shot to death in Western Washington in the past couple of weeks.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said x-rays identified two bullets in the sea lion’s head. They have been recovered for evidence.
Last week, officers investigated the carcasses of seven sea lions found in the same area of the Nisqually and one found on a West Seattle beach. All of them had been shot.
One of the sea lions is a Stellar sea lion, which is on the Endangered Species List. All sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Killing a sea lion can result in thousands of dollars in fines and up to one year in jail.
Reward offered
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society is offering a reward of $10,000 to any person who provides information to the authorities leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for shooting sea lions.
In you have information, all the NOAA Enforcement Hotline: (800) 853-1964
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