Authorities investigating apparent rash of sea lion killings

Federal authorities are investigating what appears to be a rash of sea lion killings in the Puget Sound area after at least three were shot.

               The investigation will include a necropsy on Tuesday and X-rays on Friday so investigators can look for bullets or other evidence of shootings.

               Since Dec. 1, about a half-dozen sea lions and one seal have been found dead on local beaches, and so far, biologists have confirmed that three of the sea lions were shot.   As many as four others may have been shot as well.

               In addition to the latest one in West Seattle, a sea lion turned up dead on Saturday in the South Sound.  They were found in Steilacoom, Fox and McNeil Islands, and Moclips on the coast.   A harbor seal was also found dead in Dupont.

Authorities said the deaths are highly unusual.

"Something's happening.  We don't know who's behind it, we don't know what it is, but we have an investigation going on, and we'll try to find out,” NOAA Fisheries spokesman Brian Gorman said.

               Shooting a sea lion can bring a $20,000 fine, but without witnesses, cases are hard to prosecute, and investigators and sea lion advocates are hoping for the public's help.

The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society has posted a $10,000 reward in the case.