This victim can’t speak for itself, can’t identify the attacker, and has no name. But this baby seal has all of us. We will help find the attacker.

Anyone who harms a defenseless baby animal poses a threat to others. Capturing this violent predator is crucial to keeping both animals and people safe.

This manhunt includes a composite sketch of the attacker, a description of the van he was driving, and a last known sighting provided by a witness. That witness was close enough to notice a large gap in the suspect’s teeth.

“What a senseless act on an animal that is a vital part of our ecosystem. The people who committed this cruel act need to be brought to justice to answer for this crime,” Professor of Criminal Justice, Public Safety, Dr. Duanne Thompson, said.

The attacker is likely transient and may be living in his van. But he still needs gas, food, and places to park and sleep. His van is distinctive—an older, dark blue Dodge or Chrysler van from the 1990s, cluttered and with plastic covering the rear passenger-side window.

The van was spotted in a parking lot near the cove where the baby seal was attacked, near Neskowin, Oregon.

The stabbing occurred on a cold night, March 16, between 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., on a small beach along the Pacific Ocean, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said Monday. Gregory Miller, a volunteer with OSU, said he had monitored the seal until 8 p.m. that night. He stated he left around that time, and when he returned the next day, he saw the seal was bleeding.

Thankfully, the injuries do not appear life-altering.

The seal “began to heal, and by mid-April, it was showing no signs of lasting effects from the stabbing,” said Michael Milstein, a public affairs officer with NOAA Fisheries.

Witnesses described the suspect as a white man, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, with black-and-white hair and a large gap between his front teeth.

Suspect Description:

• White male

• Approximately 5 feet, 10 inches tall

• Standard build

• Black and white hair

• Groomed beard

• Large gap between front teeth

Clothing and Accessories:

• Aviator glasses with thick lenses

• Thin blue and light green fleece top over a thin, lined checkered shirt

• Thin blue and yellow cord (2–3mm) around his neck, similar to those used in climbing

• Low-profile black cap with a flat front and a logo showing an orange four-track excavator with the word “Timber”

• Dark trousers

• Lightweight hiking shoes or low boots

We believe this baby seal deserves a name. Let’s spread the story, share the poster, and help bring this attacker to justice.

Jenna Tobias, volunteer director of Zoos and Aquariums for the Wildlife CSI Academy, said, “There has to be a better system in place to catch these criminals. Too often, crimes against animals are overlooked—not from a lack of care, but from a lack of funding or training. These are helpless victims. Animals can’t speak. We have to be their voice.”

According to the FBI:
“Many people assume offenders begin by hurting animals and later escalate to harming humans. While this may be true in some cases, not all follow that path. One study found that 16% of offenders started with animal abuse and moved on to violent crimes against people. In many cases, the violence starts with people and then extends to animals.”

There is a strong correlation between animal cruelty and violence toward humans. We know that serial killers, domestic abusers, and rapists often have histories of harming animals.

“A person who would harm something as defenseless as a baby seal is significantly more likely to have a history of violence and to escalate. They often lack empathy and have poor impulse control,” forensic psychologist Dr. Joni Johnston said

I am certain this person has a long criminal history and is already known to law enforcement. By capturing this violent predator, we could very well prevent future harm to a human victim.

“Growing up around exotic animals made me a more compassionate and nurturing child. You connect with them. You care for them. You realize how important these creatures are to the world. They can’t defend themselves,” Tobias added.

Federal law under the Marine Mammal Protection Act bans any actions that harass, harm, kill, or feed wild seals and other marine mammals. Those who violate the law may face criminal charges, fines of up to $100,000, and a maximum sentence of one year behind bars.

Please share this BOLO (Be On the Lookout) and encourage anyone with information to come forward so authorities can find this dangerous individual.

Justice for this baby seal—it’s up to us. 

[Feature Photo via Sheryl McCollum/NOAA Fisheries]