Two Paragliders Fly Past N. Oregon Coast's Haystack Rock, Possible Federal Crimes

Updated 08/20/2026 at 8:59 a.m.
By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Cannon Beach, Oregon) – : UPDATE ON THE HANG GLIDERS NEXT TO HAYSTACK CASE: Cannon Beach Police said they were notified by United States Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement that the two paragliders were contacted and citations were issued to both pilots. Citations were for Unauthorized Aircraft while Harassing Wildlife. "United States Fish and Wildlife thank the partnership of the Cannon Beach Police Department. Working together to keep our Marine Gardens and Wildlife Refuges undisturbed for all to enjoy," said the department.

A pair of paragliders may have violated some serious federal laws this weekend on the Oregon coast, according to the Cannon Beach Police Department.

Cannon Beach police say two paragliders were reported Saturday afternoon flying around Haystack Rock and disturbing wildlife, including the colony of roughly 100 tufted puffins that nest there this time of year.

Officers located the two individuals and documented the incident. The report will be forwarded to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service law enforcement for review and possible enforcement action. Wildlife harassment can carry significant penalties.

“We appreciate everyone who took the time to report the incident and help protect the wildlife that makes Cannon Beach such a special place,” the department said. “Your vigilance and partnership help keep Cannon Beach a safe and welcoming place to live and visit.”

Federal wildlife law allows civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation for anyone who knowingly violates protections for fish, wildlife or plants. Oregon law similarly states that “no person shall chase, harass, molest, worry or disturb any wildlife except while engaged in lawfully angling for, taking, hunting or trapping such wildlife.”

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“Thank you for looking out for our community and our wildlife!,” the department added on social media.

Photo Ram Papish

Wildlife officials note that tufted puffins have experienced a steep decline along the Oregon coast since the 1980s. The last full census in 2008 counted fewer than 200 birds. Despite the drop, the species was not added to the Endangered Species Act in 2020 due to gaps in available data, including uncertainties about prey and foraging behavior.

To address those gaps, Oregon State University’s Seabird Oceanography Lab, working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Friends of Haystack Rock, has developed a series of non-invasive, community-focused projects aimed at improving data collection and raising awareness about puffin foraging ecology, chick diet and conservation along the Oregon coast.

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