Associated Press
SEATTLE -- At least five sea lions, including one listed as endangered, were shot to death near Seattle, authorities said Friday.
One was a Steller sea lion protected by the federal Endangered Species Act. The others were smaller, more common California sea lions listed under the Marine Mammals Protection Act.
National Marine Fisheries Service spokesman Brian Gorman said an investigation was under way because it's illegal in most cases to shoot any kind of sea lion.
Wildlife photographer Robin Lindsey said she was shocked at the sight of the dead male Steller sea lion that appeared to be 8 to 10 years old and weigh about 1,200 pounds.
"It's really heartbreaking to think anybody would shoot a creature because they're out there trying to survive," said Lindsey, who also volunteers with a group called Seal Sitters. "I hope to God it's not a trend."
West Seattle residents have reported at least one other sea lion carcass was floating in Puget Sound, Gorman said.
At least one sea lion is found dead near Seattle each year, but five was an unusually large number, Gorman said.
