An elephant seal pup was stabbed multiple times at an Oregon beach, prompting NOAA to search for a person of interest. The seal survived and was relocated. The incident is being investigated under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Key Points
NOAA seeks person of interest in connection with the stabbing
Stabbed seal was a young pup learning to hunt on its own
Incident is being investigated under the Marine Mammal Protection Act
Pros
NOAA acted promptly to relocate the injured seal and launch an investigation
Seal's wounds were healing and it showed signs of recovery
Cons
Inhumane act of stabbing a defenseless animal
Violations of the Marine Mammal Protection Act can lead to severe penalties