Two weeks ago in Morro Bay, someone shot a threatened sea otter with a pellet gun, killing the young female. The crime may have happened at sea or along the shoreline. The animal's body was found just north of the Morro Strand Campground.

Now, Defenders of Wildlife is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the gunman's arrest and conviction.

Southern sea otters are a federally protected species; only about 3,000 remain. Shooting one is punishable by up to $10,000 in fines and jail time. 

Anyone with info is encouraged to contact:

• Mona Iannelli with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: 310-328-1516 ext. 229 or mona_iannelli@fws.gov
• DFG Warden Hank Hodel at (805) 610-3920
• or, to leave an anonymous tip, DFG's CalTIP line: 1-888-DFG-CALTIP.