Tyler Muehl, 18, pleaded guilty after a viral video showed him chasing and kicking a California sea lion at La Jolla Cove on July 22. The footage, shared on Snapchat and Instagram, prompted a NOAA investigation and a federal misdemeanor charge under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Muehl admitted to four kicks and acknowledged the video as accurate; he faces up to one year in prison and a $100,000 fine. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 20.
La Jolla Teen Pleads Guilty After Viral Video Shows Him Chasing and Kicking Sea Lion — Faces Federal Penalties
Tyler Muehl, 18, pleaded guilty in federal court after a widely shared video showed him chasing and repeatedly kicking a California sea lion at La Jolla Cove. The incident, captured on social media, prompted a federal investigation and a misdemeanor charge under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
What Happened
Prosecutors say the encounter took place on July 22 near Ellen Browning Scripps Park. Video posted to Snapchat and later shared on Instagram shows Muehl approaching a resting sea lion with his hands raised as if to box, tauntingly referring to himself as “Max Holloway,” then striking the animal four separate times and making contact on each occasion.
Effects And Response
Twice, Muehl kicked forcefully toward the animal’s face, causing the sea lion to rear back. The animal attempted to flee, stumbled along the sea wall and ultimately escaped onto the beach. Muehl acknowledged the video was a fair and accurate record of the events.
Federal crime. Federal consequences. — U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon
The clip went viral and triggered a federal probe by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Eric Morgan, assistant director of NOAA-Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement’s West Coast Division, emphasized that intentionally striking or kicking a marine mammal is illegal and endangers the animal.
Legal Details
In his plea, Muehl admitted to knowingly and unlawfully "taking" a marine mammal — the California sea lion identified as Zalophus californianus — by harassing and hunting the animal. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, "take" includes acts of pursuit, torment or annoyance that could injure a marine mammal or disrupt critical behaviors such as breathing, nursing, feeding or sheltering.
The misdemeanor carries a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a fine of up to $100,000. Muehl is scheduled to be sentenced on Oct. 20 at 9:30 a.m. by U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill L. Burkhardt.
Why This Matters
This case underscores how social media can expose wildlife abuse and prompt federal enforcement. It also serves as a reminder that protected marine species are legally off-limits to harassment or harm, and that bystanders who record and report such behavior can trigger investigations and accountability.
He even called himself "Max Holloway," referring to the Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter. Courtesy Department of Justice
La Jolla ranks among the five richest neighborhoods in San Diego County. Courtesy Department of Justice
La Jolla Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Getty Images
The animal tried to flee. Courtesy Department of Justice
Muehl continued after it. Courtesy Department of Justice
People play on the beach at La Jolla Cove in San Diego. USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
A Californian sea lion. Getty Images/imageBROKER RF
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