A Moss Landing boat owner who endangered a female sea otter is now the focus of a federal investigation. Officials say the man allegedly shot a pellet gun at the mother of two pups last week. The weapon has been confiscated and no arrests have been made. Since sea otters are protected under federal law, the crime is defined as a misdemeanor, which can include a maximum penalty of one year in prison and a $100,000. A federal probe led by the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife is underway.
