NOAA Seeks Suspect in Oregon Elephant Seal Stabbing

A baby elephant seal pup was stabbed multiple times on a beach in Neskowin, Oregon, on March 16 but survived after receiving care and being relocated by the Marine Mammal Stranding Team. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is seeking public assistance to identify a suspect described as a white male, about 5’10” tall, with black-and-white hair, a groomed beard, a large gap between his front teeth, aviator glasses, a thin blue-and-light-green fleece over a checkered shirt, a low-profile black cap with an orange excavator logo and the word 'Timber,' and a blue and yellow cord around his neck. The man was reportedly associated with a dark blue 1990s Dodge or Chrysler van, cluttered inside, and with plastic covering the rear driver's side window. Harassing, harming, or killing wild elephant seals is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, with violators facing up to $100,000 in fines and a year in jail. NOAA urges anyone with information to contact its Enforcement Hotline, and anonymous tips are accepted. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities search for the suspect.