Teenager pleas guilty to attacking California sea lion in viral video
Summary
An 18-year-old man from California pleaded guilty to kicking a protected sea lion in a video that went viral. He faces up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine for breaking a federal law that protects marine animals.Key Facts
- Tyler Muehl from La Jolla, California, admitted in court to kicking a sea lion multiple times on July 22, 2026.
- The sea lion was sitting quietly on a wall near La Jolla Cove when Muehl approached and kicked it four times.
- Muehl called himself by the name of UFC fighter Max Holloway during the incident.
- The attack caused the sea lion to try to escape by climbing over the sea wall.
- A video of the attack was shared widely on social media.
- Muehl was charged with violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which forbids harassing marine animals.
- He pleaded guilty and is scheduled for sentencing on October 20, 2026.
- Officials said kicking marine mammals is illegal and harmful to the animals, and recommended staying at least 150 feet (46 meters) away from sea lions and similar creatures.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.
