Ocean Sentry
Two marine mammals were found decapitated on the beach in Morro Bay. The California Department of Fish and Game discovered a decapitated sea otter on Tuesday morning, then on Wednesday found an elephant seal in a nearby location which was also decapitated.
Investigators believe the skulls were intentionally taken.
This is something Mike Harris, an environmental scientist with the California Department of Fish and Game, says is a serious crime.
“It’s a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act for any marine mammal. And with the sea otter, sea otters are listed under the Endangered Species Act,” Harris explained.
At this point Harris and the Department of Fish and Game, who are investigating this case, doesn’t know why anyone would do this, but Harris does offer a possible motive.
“I would guess whoever did this is probably cleaning up the skulls and putting them into their personal collection,” Harris said.
For many on the Central Coast this reminds them of last May when three elephant seals were shot and killed in San Simeon. Although, Harris says there is a significant difference in this latest crime.
“In both cases it is certain that the animal was already dead before the head was removed,” Harris added.
Harris went on to say he has been with the Department of Fish and Game for years and says this type of incident is very rare.
The Department of Fish and Game is asking anyone who may have information about this case to please contact them at (888) DFG-CALTip (334-2258).
(From ksby.com, Morro Strand State Beach, California, by Ryan Foran)
