Posted by on December 12, 2004 at 08:16:16:
CRESCENT CITY -- A tip led authorities to the Crescent City Harbor Friday where they saw a California sea lion with an arrow sticking out of its stomach.
"It's just a despicable act to see," said National Marine Fisheries Service Special Agent David Reilly.
Reilly also said the animal appears not to be in immediate danger.
"He's pretty healthy so far," Reilly said.
The Coast Guard, California Department of Fish and Game and other agencies attempted to capture the animal to treat it Friday, but were unsuccessful.
The penalty for whoever is found responsible is a $20,000 and a year in prison, according to Reilly.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Agent Tim Broadman at 826-9248 or the hotline at 800 853-1964. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
A $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator is being offered. Reilly said the reward is likely to increase.
"We're hoping someone who heard or saw something will come foreword," Reilly said.