Overview

• A baby elephant seal was stabbed repeatedly on March 16 near the Proposal Rock Condominiums in Neskowin, Oregon, but survived after emergency care.
• NOAA Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the case and has issued a public appeal for information about the suspect and a vehicle seen near the scene.
• The suspect is described as a white man, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, with black-and-white hair, a groomed beard, and a large gap between his front teeth.
• Authorities are also searching for a dark blue 1990s Dodge or Chrysler van with a cluttered interior and plastic covering the rear driver’s side window.
• The attack violates the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which protects elephant seals and carries penalties of up to $100,000 in fines and one year in jail for offenders.