Federal wildlife officials say three California sea otters were fatally shot on the Monterey Peninsula and are offering a $21,000 reward for information leading to an arrest.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on Friday said the shootings happened last September around Asilomar State Beach in Pacific Grove.
The otters are protected under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act, which could lead to $100,000 fines and jail time for anyone found guilty of the shootings.
Two of the otters were shot in the head, the third through the back.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the service.
Copyright The Associated Press
