⏱ 2 min read
Tyler Muehl, an 18-year-old from La Jolla, has pleaded guilty to harassing a California sea lion in La Jolla Cove. The incident occurred on July 22, 2026, when Muehl repeatedly kicked at the sea lion, causing it to flinch and recoil. The sea lion was peacefully sitting on the sea wall near Ellen Browning Scripps Park when Muehl approached it, referring to himself as ‘Max Holloway’, a UFC fighter.
Muehl’s actions were caught on video, which he admitted was a fair and accurate recording of the event. The video shows Muehl kicking at the sea lion four times, including twice forcefully kicking at its face. The sea lion tried to flee, but Muehl chased after it, kicking at it again before it escaped over the sea wall and made it to the beach.
Muehl’s guilty plea is a result of his violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act’s prohibition on harassment of wildlife. The Act is taken seriously by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement, which states that intentionally striking or kicking a marine mammal is not only illegal but also dangerous for the animal’s well-being.
The case was handled by the US Attorney’s office, with U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon stating that ‘federal crime equals federal consequences’. Muehl’s plea agreement is a reminder that harming or harassing protected wildlife will not be tolerated and will result in serious consequences.
📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: California
- Location: CA
- Source: DOJ Press Release
