Witnesses needed after sea lion shot, decapitated, on Vancouver Island

CAMPBELL RIVER, B.C. – The bullet riddled and decapitated remains of a sea lion have been found on a Campbell River, B.C., beach.

Fisheries and Oceans spokesman Paul Cottrell says the carcass was found nearly one week ago on Tyee Spit, on the east coast of Vancouver Island.

Cottrell says evidence suggests the sea lion’s head was removed after the animal had been killed by several gunshot wounds to the shoulder.

He says there’s no obvious motive but notes, although distressing, such incidents occur several times a year along the coast.

He says that’s one of the reasons for creation of the Marine Mammal Response Network, a coast-wide organization to examines death of marine mammals.

Cottrell says members are now relying on possible witnesses to come forward to identify a suspect. (CKAY)