• A baby elephant seal was stabbed multiple times on a beach in Neskowin, Oregon, in March and survived the attack.
• NOAA is searching for a 'person of interest' and the owner of a dark blue 1990s Dodge or Chrysler van with a covered rear window potentially linked to the incident.
• The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits harming marine mammals, with penalties up to $100,000 in fines and one year in jail.

In March 2025, a disturbing incident occurred in Neskowin, Oregon, where a baby elephant seal was stabbed multiple times on a beach. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is actively investigating the attack and seeking information from the public to identify the perpetrator. The seal survived the assault and has been relocated. This incident has raised concerns about the safety and protection of marine mammals, highlighting the importance of adhering to federal laws designed to safeguard these animals.

• What: A baby elephant seal was stabbed multiple times on a beach.
• Who: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is investigating; suspect described as a white man, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, standard build with black and white hair, a groomed beard and a large gap between his front teeth.
• When: The attack occurred on March 16, 2025, between 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m.
• Where: The attack took place in a cove on a beach in Neskowin, Oregon, in front of the Proposal Rock Condominiums.

The stabbing of the elephant seal pup is a serious violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which carries significant penalties. The detailed description of the suspect and the vehicle provided by witnesses, as reported by kgw.com, is crucial for the ongoing investigation. The other sources confirm the core details of the event and NOAA's involvement. The incident highlights the vulnerability of marine wildlife and the importance of public cooperation in protecting these animals.

The brutal stabbing of the baby elephant seal in Neskowin, Oregon, remains under active investigation by NOAA, with authorities seeking public assistance to identify a person of interest described as a white male, approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall, with black and white hair, a groomed beard, and a noticeable gap between his front teeth, as well as the owner of a dark blue 1990s Dodge or Chrysler van seen near the scene. The seal pup survived the March attack and has been relocated to a more secluded beach in Washington, where its wounds are healing. This act of violence underscores the critical need for vigilance in protecting marine wildlife and upholding the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which carries severe penalties, including fines up to $100,000 and a year in jail, for those who harass, harm, or kill marine mammals. The case continues to draw attention from conservation groups and the public, who are awaiting the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent legal actions.