Person Of Interest Sought In Stabbing Attack On Elephant Seal Pup In Oregon

Federal authorities are seeking the public’s help identifying a person of interest in a March stabbing attack on an elephant seal pup on an Oregon beach.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement on Monday shared a sketch of the person of interest wanted in connection with the attack, which took place in a cove on the beach in front of the Proposal Rock Condominiums in Neskowin on Sunday, March 16, between 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.

Wildlife officials say the elephant seal pup sustained multiple stab wounds but survived the attack. The animal was evaluated and monitored by the Marine Stranding Team before it was safely relocated.

The person of interest in the case is described as a white man, standing approximately 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with a standard build, black and white hair, a groomed beard and a large gap between his front teeth. A witness described the man as wearing aviator glasses with thick lenses; a thin, blue and light green fleece top over a lined or checked shirt; dark trousers; hiking-type shoes or low boots; a thin, blue and yellow cord around his neck, approximately 2–3mm, like a climber might use; and a low-profile black cap with a flat front and printed with the word “Timber” alongside a logo depicting an orange four-track excavator.

A vehicle that may be associated with the person of interest is described as a dark blue 1990s Dodge or Chrysler van with the rear, driver’s side passenger window covered in plastic. The inside of the vehicle was described as “cluttered.”

NOAA said harassing, harming, killing or feeding wild elephant seals is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, punishable criminally or civilly by up to $100,000 in fines and up to one year in jail per violation.

Anyone with information is asked to come forward or submit an anonymous tip through the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at (800) 853-1964.