$10K Reward Offered in Dead Sea Lion Case
At least seven sea lions were shot in the waters of Seattle's Puget Sound region - and one environmental group is trying to make sure the killers are brought to justice.
The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has offered a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of those responsible.
Since December 1, six protected California sea lions, an endangered Stellar sea lion and a Harbor seal have been found dead.
Brian Gorman, spokesman for the Seattle fisheries unit of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said that seven of the eight animals had suffered bullet wounds.
"We are really saddened by this violence," Brenda Peterson of the group Seal Sitters told CNN Seattle affiliate KIRO last week.
As of yet, no arrests have been made. According to Gorman, cases like this can be difficult to solve without a witness.
"Unless you have a witness, it is unlikely you will find the shooter," Gorman said.
All the animals found dead are federally protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, but Steller sea lions are also protected under the Endangered Species Act. Penalties can range from jail time to fines as much $20,000.
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