Suspect wanted after elephant seal pup found stabbed on Oregon coast
NESKOWIN, Ore. (KPTV/Gray News) - Law enforcement is asking for the public’s help finding the person who stabbed an elephant seal pup on the Oregon coast.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric istration Fisheries Office of Law Enforcement says the incident happened in a cove on the beach in Neskowin in front of the Proposal Rock Condominiums on Sunday, March 16, between 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
The pup sustained multiple stab wounds but thankfully it survived. The Marine Stranding Team cared for the pup before relocating it.
NOAA says the person of interest in the stabbing has been described as a white man, about 5 feet 10 inches tall, with a standard build, black and white hair, a groomed beard, and a large gap between his front teeth.
The suspect was seen wearing aviator glasses with thick lenses; a thin blue and light green fleece top over a thin, lined check shirt; low-profile back cap with a flat front and logo depicting an orange four-track excavator with the word “Timber”; dark tros; and lightweight hiking-type shoes or low boots. He also had a thin blue and yellow cord around his neck, similar to what a climber might use.
NOAA says it’s also seeking information about the owner of a vehicle that may be associated with the suspect. The vehicle was seen in the parking lot near the cover behind the Proposal Rock Condominiums.
The vehicle is described as a dark blue 1990s Dodge or Chrysler van with a rear enger window on the driver’s side covered in plastic. The inside of the vehicle appeared to be “cluttered.”
Anyone with information about this incident should call the NOAA Enforcement Hotline at 800-853-1964. You can leave tips anonymously.
NOAA says harassing, harming, killing, or feeding wild elephant seals is prohibited under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Violations can be prosecuted and are punishable by up to $100,000 in fines and up to one year in jail.
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