Tyler Muehl, 18, pleaded guilty Thursday to violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act when he repeatedly kicked the animal as it tried to get away.

Tyler Muehl, 18, pleaded guilty in federal court after a viral video captured him attacking the sea lion at La Jolla Cove.

Tyler Muehl, 18, of La Jolla, took a plea agreement on Thursday as he appeared in federal court for violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits harassing wildlife.