Authorities in Neskowin, Oregon are seeking the individual responsible for stabbing a baby seal multiple times on a local beach. The incident occurred in March, but the seal survived and was relocated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s marine stranding team. Officials are investigating the attack and are looking for a “person of interest” identified by a witness, as well as the owner of a vehicle spotted near the scene. Anyone with information is urged to contact NOAA’s enforcement hotline. Juvenile elephant seals often visit Oregon’s beaches during the spring and summer to molt, while adult seals are rare in the state. The Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits harming marine mammals, with violators facing fines and jail time.
