NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is seeking information about a stabbing attack on an elephant seal pup on the beach at Neskowin, Oregon.
The incident took place in a cove on the beach in front of the Proposal Rock Condominiums on Sunday, March 16, between 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. While the young elephant seal survived, it sustained multiple stab wounds. The Marine Stranding Team monitored and evaluated the animal before relocating it.
NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the stabbing. We are seeking the public’s help in obtaining any information that may lead to the identification of the individual(s) responsible and any other details surrounding the incident. We have identified a person of interest. They have been described as:
- White male
- Approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a standard build, black and white hair, a groomed beard, and a large gap between his front teeth
A witness described him wearing:
- Aviator glasses with thick lenses
- A thin blue and light green fleece top over a thin, lined check/shirt
- Thin blue and yellow thread cord (2-3mm) around his neck (similar to what a climber might use)
- Low-profile black cap with a flat front and a logo depicting an orange four-track excavator with the word “Timber”
- Dark trousers
- Lightweight hiking-type shoes or low boots
We are also seeking information about the owner of a vehicle that may be associated with the person of interest. The vehicle, which was seen in the parking lot adjacent to the cove behind the Proposal Rock Condominium, has the following characteristics:
- Dark blue 1990s Dodge or Chrysler van
- Rear passenger window on the driver’s side covered in plastic
- Inside of the vehicle appeared to be “cluttered”
Anyone with information about this incident should call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964. You can leave tips anonymously.
Harassing, harming, killing or feeding wild elephant seals is prohibited under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Violations can be prosecuted civilly or criminally and are punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and up to 1 year in jail per violation.
To report an injured, dead, or stranded marine mammal contact NOAA’s West Coast Stranding Hotline at (866) 767-6114. To report an entangled marine mammal, call NOAA’s Entanglement Reporting Hotline at (877) SOS-WHAL/(877) 767-9425. For other incidents or other violations, contact NOAA’s Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964.
