Sea Lion Slaughtered: 7 Shots to Head in West Seattle

A large California sea lion, estimated to weigh 700 pounds, was found deceased on September 18th on a West Seattle beach near the Duwamish River. Officials confirmed the animal had been shot at least a dozen times. Researchers from SR3, a marine animal rescue group, conducted X-rays on-site and determined the sea lion had been shot at close range, noting the disturbing fact that seven of the shots targeted its head.

This incident highlights a disturbing trend of violence against sea lions, with researchers noting it is not uncommon. Officials speculate that frustration over declining salmon populations may lead to sea lions being scapegoated, fueling increased violence. This is further evidenced by other recent incidents, including a man in San Diego pleading guilty to federal charges for harassing a sea lion and two beheaded sea lions discovered on San Francisco beaches this month.

The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits such actions, but the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration could not be reached for comment. Due to its size, a necropsy could not be performed on the sea lion, and it was left on the beach to decompose naturally. While legislation like the Northwest Endangered Salmon Predation Prevention Act of 2026, introduced by Representative Michael Baumgartner, seeks to address salmon decline through the "lethal takings" of sea lions, experts argue this approach will not recover salmon populations.