Authorities Seek Suspect Who Stabbed Baby Elephant Seal on Oregon Coast

Published 05/07/25 at 7:05 p.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Neskowin, Oregon) – NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and its Office of Law Enforcement are looking for a man who stabbed an elephant seal pup on the Oregon coast a couple of months ago. The brutal attack happened at Neskowin Beach in a cove area at its southern end, where witnesses saw him stab the baby seal numerous times. (Elephant seal photo courtesy NOAA)

The incident occurred on Sunday, March 16, between 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

“The Marine Stranding Team monitored and evaluated the animal before relocating it,” NOAA said.

NOAA's Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the case and has identified a person of interest.

“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,” NOAA said.

See Update: Stabbed Seal Ends Up Having Comic Adventures on Oregon / Washington Coast - Happy ending for the elephant seal with tales from Oceanside to Long Beach

The individual is described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a standard build, black-and-white hair, a groomed beard, and a noticeable gap between his front teeth. A witness reported that he was wearing aviator glasses with thick lenses, a thin blue and light green fleece top over a lined checkered shirt, a thin blue and yellow cord around his neck, and a black cap featuring an orange excavator logo with the word “Timber.” He was also seen wearing dark trousers and lightweight hiking-style shoes.

Investigators are also seeking information regarding a vehicle linked to the case. The vehicle is described as a dark blue Dodge or Chrysler van from the 1990s, with a rear passenger window covered in plastic and an interior appearing cluttered. The van was spotted in a parking lot near the cove behind the Proposal Rock Condominiums.

Officials urge anyone with information to contact NOAA’s Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964. Tips can be provided anonymously.

It is illegal to harass or harm a marine mammal on the Oregon coast – or any other beach in the U.S.

Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, harming, killing, or interfering with wild elephant seals is strictly prohibited. Violators may face civil or criminal prosecution, with penalties of up to $100,000 in fines and one year in jail per violation.

Harbor seals are typically born in spring and summer, although California may see them earlier. Being young creatures, they need some time on land to rest and regulate body temps. This means you'll see them lounging or napping on the sands along the Washington coast and Oregon coast, and experts say you absolutely must leave them alone.

They're doing this while their mothers are hunting at sea.

“However, the mother may not return if humans are too close,” said the Seaside Aquarium's Tiffany Boothe. “Thus, wildlife experts suggest giving seal pups plenty of space, observe them from a distance and while they are absolutely adorable do not touch.”

To report an injured or stranded marine mammal, individuals can call NOAA’s West Coast Stranding Hotline at (866) 767-6114. For entangled marine mammals, reports can be made to NOAA’s Entanglement Reporting Hotline at (877) SOS-WHAL/(877) 767-9425. Other violations can be reported through NOAA’s Enforcement Hotline.

PHOTOS BELOW OF BABY SEAL FROM TIFFANY BOOTHE, SEASIDE AQUARIUM

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