Tyler Muehl, Jolla, California teen pleads guilty to chasing and kicking sea lion as he now faces potential one year behind bars for harassing and abusing protected mammal.
A La Jolla, California teenager caught on video chasing and repeatedly kicking a sea lion has pled guilty to a federal charge animal forbidding the harassment and abuse of protected wildlife.
Tyler Muehl, 18, pleaded guilty Thursday to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act in connection with the July 22 incident, near Ellen Browning Scripps Park in La Jolla.
According to his plea agreement, the sea lion had been sitting on a seawall when Muehl approached the animal with his hands raised as though he was preparing to fight it.
This is Tyler Muehl, 18, of La Jolla California! How about his evil accomplices? Evil ! pic.twitter.com/piTAYt8Q8O
— Papageorgio (@PapageorgioWV) August 14, 2026
Muehl referred to himself as “Max Holloway,” an apparent reference to the UFC fighter, before kicking toward the sea lion four times.
At least two of the kicks made contact, including kicks directed toward the animal’s face that caused it to rear backward and recoil.
When the sea lion attempted to get away, Muehl followed it.
After the animal stumbled against the seawall, Muehl continued kicking toward it and pursuing it until the sea lion eventually climbed over the wall and escaped onto the beach.
Cellphone video of the encounter was posted to Snapchat and later circulated on Instagram, where it went viral and sparked widespread outrage.
Distressingly, laughter could be heard by the individuals filming the unfolding abuse.
Muehl in his plea, agreed that video of the incident was a fair and accurate recording of what happened.
The footage ultimately prompted an investigation by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement.
‘Federal crime. Federal consequences,’ U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon said following Muehl’s guilty plea.
NOAA officials also condemned the teenager’s actions, warning that intentionally striking or kicking a marine mammal is both illegal and potentially dangerous to the animal.
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, it is illegal to ‘take’ a marine mammal. The law defines the term to include harassment or acts of pursuit, torment or annoyance that could injure an animal or disrupt behaviors such as feeding, breeding, nursing, breathing or sheltering.
Muehl admitted to knowingly and unlawfully harassing and hunting the California sea lion.
The misdemeanor charge carries a maximum sentence of one year in federal prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Muehl is scheduled to be sentenced Oct. 20 at 9:30 a.m. before U.S. Magistrate Judge Jill L. Burkhardt.
La Jolla where Muehl hails from is one of the richest neighborhoods in San Diego County, where homes average between $2 million and $3 million. The average household income is around $210,000.
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