(12:37) SANTA CRUZ- Authorities are offering a 20 thousand dollar reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for shooting and killing three sea otters. The otters washed up on 20th Avenue Beach, Twin Lakes State Beach and Seacliff State Beach between August 12th and the 19th. An examination of the otters found all three had been shot. The remains have been sent to a forensics lab in Oregon to determine the type of firearm used in the killings. Sea otters are protected under the Federal Endangered Species Act, the Marine Mammal Protection Act and by state law. Killing a sea otter is punishable by a 100 thousand dollar fine and a possible jail time. Anyone with any information should call the CalTIP line at (888) 334-2258 or the Fish and Wildlife Service at (650) 876-9078.
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