In a disturbing and heartbreaking incident, a young elephant seal pup was found stabbed multiple times on the beach in Neskowin, Oregon—and officials are asking for the public’s help to track down the person responsible.
According to NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement, the attack happened late Sunday, March 16, between 8:00 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., near the base of Proposal Rock in front of the beachfront condos. The injured pup, though seriously wounded, miraculously survived the attack. Thanks to the quick response from the Marine Mammal Stranding Team, the seal was evaluated and relocated to safety.
Now, federal wildlife authorities are launching a full investigation and have released a detailed sketch of a man they’re calling a person of interest in the case. Witnesses described him as a white male, about 5'10", with black and white hair, a trimmed beard, and a noticeable gap between his front teeth.
He was last seen wearing aviator-style glasses with thick lenses, a fleece top in shades of blue and green over a lined flannel-style shirt, and a thin cord necklace that resembled something a climber might wear. He also wore dark pants, hiking-style shoes or boots, and a low-profile cap with a logo of an orange excavator and the word “Timber” printed on it.
Authorities are also trying to track down a vehicle that may be connected to the suspect. It was spotted near the scene in the condo parking lot—a dark blue Dodge or Chrysler van from the 1990s, with a rear side window covered in plastic and a noticeably cluttered interior.
Anyone who might recognize the man or vehicle—or who has any information about what happened that night—is urged to call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964. Tips can be left anonymously.
This kind of cruelty is not just inhumane—it’s also illegal. Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, harassing or harming wild elephant seals carries serious consequences, including up to $100,000 in fines and even jail time.
If you ever come across a stranded, injured, or dead marine mammal on the Oregon coast, call NOAA’s West Coast Stranding Hotline at (866) 767-6114. For entanglements, reach out to (877) SOS-WHAL.
Let’s protect the wild beauty of our coast and hold the person responsible for this senseless attack accountable. Oregon's wildlife—and its people—deserve better.
