Elephant Seal Stabbed on Oregon Beach; Authorities Seek Suspect
A baby elephant seal was found stabbed multiple times on a beach in Neskowin, Oregon. Federal authorities are asking for help from the public to identify the person responsible for this cruel act.
The seal, which weighs about 300 pounds, has mostly recovered from its injuries and has begun to heal, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The incident occurred on March 16 between 8 and 11:30 p.m. near a cove by a condominium. Fortunately, by mid-April, the seal showed no signs of lasting injuries.
Young elephant seals often spend time on their own as they learn to hunt and grow before returning to breeding areas in areas like the Channel Islands off Southern California, explained Michael Milstein, a NOAA public affairs officer.
On Monday, NOAA shared a sketch of the suspect, describing him as a white man around 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a combination of black and white hair, a groomed beard, and a noticeable gap between his front teeth.
He was reported to be wearing aviator glasses with thick lenses, a blue-and-green fleece top, and a black cap with an orange excavator logo. His outfit included dark pants and either hiking shoes or low boots. Authorities are also looking for a dark blue 1990s Dodge or Chrysler van associated with the suspect, which reportedly had a cluttered interior and a plastic-covered rear passenger window.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act makes it illegal to harm marine mammals, and violators can face penalties of up to $100,000 and a year in prison.
