06-05-2025
Baby elephant seal stabbed repeatedly on Oregon beach, feds say. Attacker sought
National Baby elephant seal stabbed repeatedly on Oregon beach, feds say. Attacker sought
A elephant seal pup (not the one pictured) was stabbed many times on an Oregon beach.
National Ocean Atmospheric Administration
A baby elephant seal was stabbed multiple times on an Oregon beach, federal officials said.
Now, authorities are looking for the attacker.
The incident happened between 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. on March 16, the National Ocean Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement said in a May 5 news release.
A man was seen stabbing the marine animal in a beach cove in front of the Proposal Rock Condominiums in Neskowin, officials said.
The seal pup survived its injuries and was treated by the Marine Stranding Team before it was relocated, officials said.
Elephant seals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which protects marine animals from being harassed, hunted, captured, collected or killed.
Authorities said they have a person of interest, but they need the public's help identifying him.
A sketch shows the male suspect.
Gregory Miller
The description of the man:
5 feet, 10 inches tall
Standard build
Black and white hair with a groomed beard
Large gap between front teeth
At the time of the incident, a witness saw him wearing:
Aviator glasses with thick lenses
A blue and green fleece top over a lined shirt
A thin blue and yellow thread cord around his neck, similar to climbing equipment
A black cap with a flat front with an orange four-track excavator and the word 'Timber'
Dark trousers
Low boots or 'hiking-type shoes'
A dark blue 1990s Dodge or Chrysler van was also found near the condominiums, officials said in a 'Wanted' poster.
The rear window on the driver's side was covered in plastic, and the inside of the vehicle seemed 'cluttered,' officials said.
Anyone with information about the man or this vehicle should contact the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at 800-853-1964. Tips can be made anonymously.
Neskowin is on the northern Oregon coastline, about a 100-mile drive from Portland.
Helena Wegner
McClatchy DC Go to X Email this person
Helena Wegner is a McClatchy National Real-Time Reporter covering the state of Washington and the western region. She's a journalism graduate from Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. She's based in Phoenix.
