Man seen decapitating sea lion in Northern California wanted, $20K reward offered

Editor's note. Contents of this story may be disturbing to some readers.

A $20,000 reward is being offered for the successful arrest and prosecution of a suspect who decapitated a sea lion in Northern California late last year.

The mammal was found dead on Christmas Day at Doran Regional Park in Bodega Bay, a village in Sonoma County, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced on their website this week.

Later that day, a park staff member discovered someone had decapitated the deceased sea lion, NOAA wrote in a news release posted Tuesday.

Officials described the suspect as a “tan-complexioned male, approximately 30–40 years old, dressed in all black."

The suspect was seen using "a black 8-inch knife to remove the sea lion's head, placing it in a clear plastic bag, and riding away" on an electric bike, officials wrote in the release.

Do you know who decapitated the seal lion in California?

According to the release, The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits harassing, hunting, capturing or killing any marine mammal.

Anyone with information about the sea lion decapitation should call 800-853-1964.

A poster with more details can be found on the NOAA website. It shows a picture of the seal and the "fat-tire e-bike" the suspect was seen riding after decapitating the animal.

To report a dead, injured, or stranded marine mammal, call 866-767-6114.

Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.