Neskowin, Ore. — Federal officials are investigating a disturbing case of animal cruelty after a baby elephant seal was found stabbed multiple times on a beach in Neskowin, a small coastal town along Oregon’s Pacific shoreline.
The incident, which took place in March, left the young seal with several stab wounds, but fortunately, it survived the attack. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reported that the seal, which was discovered in a secluded cove, has since shown signs of recovery. NOAA’s marine stranding team relocated the seal to a quieter beach in Washington state last month, where it continued to heal. Weighing around 300 pounds at the time of relocation, the seal’s injuries have not caused lasting harm, and it is expected to make a full recovery.
Michael Milstein, a spokesperson for NOAA Fisheries West Coast region, stated in an email that although the seal was wounded, there was no indication that the attack would have any long-term effects on its health. “The wounds are healing, and the animal appears to be doing well,” Milstein said.
NOAA’s law enforcement office is currently investigating the attack and searching for a “person of interest” who was reportedly seen near the scene by a witness. Authorities are also looking for the owner of a vehicle spotted in a parking lot behind a condominium building close to the beach. This vehicle may be linked to the attack, which occurred on a Sunday evening.
As part of the investigation, NOAA is encouraging the public to come forward with any information related to the attack, the vehicle, or the person of interest. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact NOAA’s enforcement hotline.
This case is particularly troubling because it involves a juvenile elephant seal, which had likely just been separated from its mother. According to experts from Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute, young elephant seals often haul out on Oregon beaches in the spring and summer to molt, shedding their hair and skin. Adult elephant seals are rarely seen in the state, and this particular seal would have been learning to hunt on its own, with plans to eventually head back to breeding areas around California’s Channel Islands.
The federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits harming, harassing, or killing marine mammals, offers protection to species such as the elephant seal. Those found guilty of violating this law face criminal penalties, including fines of up to $100,000 and possible jail time of up to one year.
The ongoing investigation has sparked concern among local communities, highlighting the vulnerability of marine wildlife along Oregon’s coastline. With the growing number of juvenile seals coming ashore in the coming months, conservationists hope the public will remain vigilant in protecting these animals from harm.
As the search for those responsible continues, officials remain hopeful that the public’s help will bring justice to this innocent creature and send a strong message about the importance of protecting marine life.