A sea lion pup was abducted from a parking lot near a state beach in Los Angeles early Sunday, according to police officials. (Source: LATimes)

A second sea lion pup was rescued by a wildlife official after police were told about the abduction by a witness. The pup was described as “emaciated.”

The witness said two men and two women were harassing the two pups before picking one of them up and putting it in the trunk of a dark-colored Honda Civic. The witness said the second pup put up more resistance and got away.

Sea lions are protected by federal law.

But it’s not just law enforcement officials that should concern the abuctors, although the possible penalties for taking the pup are up to a year in prison and a fine up to $10,000.

The sea lion’s bite is 10 times stronger than a dog’s.

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Public Service Commission candidate Peter Hubbard gets a hug from Brionté McCorkle, executive director of Georgia Conservation Voters, during an election-night party in Southwest Atlanta on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025.  (Ben Gray for the AJC)

Credit: Ben Gray for the AJC