Found Headless

Just got this Press from the DF&G

California Department of Fish and Game
 
NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE    April 9, 2009
 
Contact: Carol Singleton, DFG Communications Officer, 916-327-9948
 
DFG Investigates Marine Mammal Mutilation on Morro Strand State Beach
 
Two marine mammals, a sea otter and an elephant seal, were found decapitated this week on Morro Strand State Beach. Department of Fish and Game (DFG) wardens are currently investigating the incident but believe the skulls were intentionally taken, a criminal act.
 
It is unlawful to remove or possess any parts of sea otters, elephant seals or other state or federally protected species, even if found dead. Both sea otters and elephant seals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. In addition, the sea otter is listed as a fully protected species under California law and as a threatened species under the federal Endangered Species Act.
 
A DFG biologist discovered the otter on the morning of April 7 adjacent to the Morro Strand campground and found the young elephant seal a short distance away on April 8. The biologist believes the heads had been removed between April 6 in the evening and the morning of April 7. 
 
DFG encourages anyone with information that may help solve this crime to call 1-888-DFG-CALTIP (1-888-334-2258). Callers may remain anonymous.

Am I missing the obvious?  Why would anybody want or need the heads of these mammals - is there any value to them?  There are definitely some sick SOBs out there.

Michael

maybe suprise someone and hide it inside someones hatch?

maybe suprise someone and hide it inside someones hatch?

I would pay to see the the expression on Moochs face!!!!!!

I've seen many decomposing sea mammals sans head.  I think sharks and other critters tend to bite off the head because it's relatively easy to remove.  I guess depending on the state of the body they might be able to tell what happened. 

I've seen many decomposing sea mammals sans head.  I think sharks and other critters tend to bite off the head because it's relatively easy to remove.  I guess depending on the state of the body they might be able to tell what happened. 

sometimes it seems you can see the jagged teeth marks on the neck. I've always assumed it was a shark, not a person.

John

Maybe they'll do an autopsy?     If it was a human, they had to shoot it first with a rifle. 

 Maybe great whites think the head is a delicacy also?   

I confess.
A move-mogul wouldn't give muh bro-in-law a singing part.
I'd made him a good offer...???...and he didn't take it...!!!...
Yu'dont mess with fellas from Berkeley.

Judd

Not to be taken in bad taste, but remember Randy Fry? If a GW hits a person or marine mammal I would image that the head would be tore off rather easily as there are only vertabrae holding them together, the muscle and fat holds the head on and not much else. Not a lot of connecting tissue there.

-Brian G

I confess.
A move-mogul wouldn't give muh bro-in-law a singing part.
I'd made him a good offer...???...and he didn't take it...!!!...
Yu'dont mess with fellas from Berkeley.

Judd

Your joking right?  Unless your talking south berkeley and all the riff raft around those parts. 

All I've seen in Berkeley is a bunch of REI clothe wearing magical gnomes.