Man denies accusations of decapitating California sea lion
Share and Follow


Graphic Warning: This story contains graphic images or video that may be disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.

() A man accused of decapitating a California sea lion this summer is denying he had any wrongdoing.

Jason Bietz, who was put on a wanted poster earlier this week by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), said he submitted a photo to the organization to prove his innocence, which showed the sea lion in the same condition nearly five hours before law enforcement arrived.

“It (the photo) showed the sea lion in the exact same position and the exact same condition as it was seen by law enforcement later that night,” Bietz acknowledged.

Officials said a white man, believed to be in his 50s or 60s, was seen using a hunting knife to cut off the dead sea lion’s head. According to investigators, the sea lion was already dead before the incident, and it’s unclear how the animal died.

The NOAA has removed the wanted poster of Bietz from its website.

“The individual has been located, and it was determined that no marine mammal parts were removed from the beach. We thank the public for their help and concern in this matter,” NOAA wrote in a message.

California sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, meaning harassing, harming, killing or feeding the animals is prohibited.

Anyone who violates the act can face thousands of dollars in fines and, if convicted criminally, up to a year in prison per violation, officials said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Zohran Mamdani is toying with NYC –– his campaign promises are make believe

Unmasking Zohran Mamdani: The Reality Behind His NYC Campaign Promises

During his high school years, Zohran Mamdani attempted to capture the student…
The new Gold Rush: Companies race to mine rare earths in Texas

Texas Becomes a Hub for Rare Earth Mining as Companies Enter a Modern-Day Gold Rush

DALLAS — As lithium’s importance grows, fueling everything from electric cars to…
Furious Democrat plots to tear down Trump's ballroom 'on day one'

Democrat Plans Immediate Action to Remove Trump’s Ballroom on First Day in Office

In a bold move, a Democratic figure from California is urging future…
Trial for Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin will test new judge in ‘career-defining moment,’ attorneys say

Trial of Charlie Kirk’s Alleged Attacker Presents ‘Career-Defining Moment’ for New Judge, According to Attorneys

Two attorneys from Utah have expressed confidence in the newly appointed Judge…
Lincoln University shooting: Multiple shooters suspected; FBI seeking photo, video evidence after 1 killed, 6 hurt

Lincoln University Incident: FBI Requests Photo and Video Evidence in Investigation of Fatal Shooting with Multiple Suspects

In LOWER OXFORD TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Uncertainty still looms large over the…
‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ Showrunners Explain that “Really Eerie” ‘Music Man’ Cold Open

Unveiling the Chilling ‘Music Man’ Cold Open: Inside ‘IT: Welcome to Derry’ with the Showrunners

The premiere episode of IT: Welcome to Derry kicks off with a…
Report: Florida government workers make the least in the U.S.

Florida Ranks Lowest in U.S. for Government Worker Salaries: New Report Reveals Wage Disparities

Despite Gov. DeSantis frequently highlighting salary increases for state employees, a recent…
These are the cities where a cool $1M can buy you a mansion

Unlock Luxury: Discover Cities Where $1M Secures Your Dream Mansion

Million-dollar properties vary greatly across the United States. Realtor.com’s Luxury Housing Report…