LA JOLLA — Tyler Muehl, 18, pleaded guilty to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The incident occurred on the night of July 22, 2026, at La Jolla Cove near Ellen Browning Scripps Park.

Muehl chased the sea lion as it attempted to flee. He kicked the sea lion a third time as it stumbled on the sea wall. He kicked the sea lion a fourth time before it escaped over the sea wall to an adjacent beach.

A video of the incident was posted on Snapchat and later Instagram. Muehl agreed in court that the video was a fair and accurate recording of the incident.

"Federal crime. Federal consequences." US Attorney for the Southern District of California Adam Gordon said. "Intentionally striking or kicking a marine mammal is not only illegal – it is dangerous for the well-being of the animal," Assistant Director, NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement West Coast Division Eric Morgan said.

Muehl is scheduled to be sentenced on October 20, 2026. Sentencing will take place before US Magistrate Judge Jill L. Burkhardt. Muehl was ordered to abstain from alcohol and marijuana pending sentencing. Muehl may remain out of custody pending sentencing.

Timeline

The incident occurred on the night of July 22, 2026, at La Jolla Cove near Ellen Browning Scripps Park. On that date, Muehl referred to himself as UFC fighter Max Holloway as he approached the animal. Muehl approached a sea lion sitting on a sea wall with his hands raised as if preparing to fight.

Muehl kicked the sea lion twice in the face. The sea lion reared, flinched, and recoiled after being kicked in the face. Muehl chased the sea lion as it attempted to flee. Muehl kicked the sea lion a third time as it stumbled on the sea wall.

What's New

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states that the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), prohibits the take and importation of marine mammals and marine mammal products absent Federal authorization. The Marine Mammal Protection Act Amendments of 2004 were sponsored by Rep. Gilchrest, Wayne T. [R-MD-1]. The latest action: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 268.

Muehl entered his plea in a federal courtroom to a misdemeanor violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act’s prohibition on harassing wildlife. A video of the incident was posted on Snapchat and later Instagram.

How Sources Differ

Regarding the detail of the charge, the US District Court for the Southern District of California docket states that Muehl, 18, pleaded guilty to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Newsdata reports that Muehl entered his plea in a federal courtroom to a misdemeanor violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act’s prohibition on harassing wildlife.

Why It Matters

The case shows the enforcement of federal wildlife protections in public spaces. NOAA guidelines recommend remaining at least 150 feet (46 meters) away from sea lions and seals. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service states that the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended (16 U.S.C. 1361 et seq.), prohibits the take and importation of marine mammals and marine mammal products absent Federal authorization.