Authorities said that a sea lion pup was snatched from a Los Angeles beach on Sunday and now the abductors may have actually put themselves in danger with the mammal.
The Associated Press reported that witnesses at Dockweiler State Beach said they saw a group of four people taunting the animal before they wrapped it in a blanket and drove away. The group is said to be two men and two woman all in their 20s.
Baby sea lions are a protected species so the group will be facing prosecution and may have already put themselves in danger with the pup as they do not make good house pets.
"The animal needs fluids, needs special treatments," warned Pete Wallerstein of Marine Animal Rescue. "You can't just feed it dog food. It's not going to work."
CBSLA noted that Wallerstein also said that even though the animals may look cute and cuddly they “have a bite 10 times greater than a pit bull.” That is a cause for concern for whoever handles the mammal.
An investigation into the pup’s whereabouts and who may have taken it is still underway.