NOAA Reports Search for Suspect After Baby Seal Found Stabbed in Neskowin, Oregon

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is on the lookout for the individual responsible for repeatedly stabbing a young seal on an Oregon beach.

The incident, which took place in March at a cove in the small coastal community of Neskowin, saw the seal manage to survive, NOAA announced on Monday. After the attack, the NOAA’s marine stranding team monitored the seal and assisted in relocating it safely.

NOAA’s law enforcement is currently investigating the assault and is pursuing a “person of interest” seen by a witness. Additionally, they are seeking information about the owner of a vehicle parked near the cove, behind a condo, which could be linked to the Sunday evening attack, as noted by NOAA.

Officials are asking anyone with information on the person of interest, vehicle owner or attack to call NOAA’s enforcement hotline.

In the spring and summer, juvenile elephant seals will often drag themselves onto Oregon’s beaches to spend weeks shedding their hair and skin, according to Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute. Adult elephant seals are rarely seen in the state.

The federal Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits harassing, harming, killing or feeding wild elephant seals and other marine mammals. Violators can face criminal penalties of up to $100,000 in fines and up to 1 year in jail.