Federal wildlife officials are investigating after a video circulated on social media showing a person kicking a protected sea lion at a beach in California. The incident reportedly took place at La Jolla Cove in San Diego. In the footage, an individual can be seen repeatedly kicking a sea lion as it attempts to move away, while another person is heard laughing in the background.

A spokesperson for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) confirmed that the agency’s Office of Law Enforcement is looking into the matter but declined to provide further details. The individual involved has not been publicly identified.

Sea lions are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits harassment or harm to marine mammals. NOAA guidelines advise the public to maintain a minimum distance of 50 feet from sea lions, seals, and other protected species.

San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria condemned the incident in a statement posted on X, describing the behavior as “disgusting” and unacceptable. He noted the federal investigation and said he has instructed local law enforcement to review the video as well.