Context:

Federal wildlife officials are seeking public assistance to identify a man who stabbed a 300-pound elephant seal pup multiple times on an Oregon beach. The attack took place on March 16 in Neskowin, Oregon, and the seal has since recovered after being relocated to a safer area. NOAA has released a suspect description, including his appearance and the vehicle he was last seen driving. The crime is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which carries significant penalties. The investigation has developed some leads, and officials are hopeful that public input will help solve the case.

Dive Deeper:

• On March 16, a 300-pound elephant seal pup was stabbed multiple times in Neskowin, Oregon, during a cold evening between 8 p.m. and 11:30 p.m., but the seal has largely recovered from the attack by mid-April.

• NOAA officials have been investigating the incident and have developed solid leads regarding the identity of the attacker, releasing a detailed suspect description to seek public assistance.

• The suspect is described as a white male, about 5 feet, 10 inches tall, with black-and-white hair, a large gap between his front teeth, wearing aviator glasses, and a distinctive clothing outfit including a blue-and-green fleece and a black cap with an orange excavator logo.

• The suspect's vehicle is described as a cluttered dark blue 1990s Dodge or Chrysler van with a plastic-covered rear passenger window on the driver's side, last seen in a parking lot near the cove.

• The attack violates the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits harming elephant seals and carries penalties of up to a year in jail and $100,000 in fines.

• Federal wildlife officials relocated the injured seal to a quieter beach at the northern tip of the Long Beach Peninsula in Washington State to aid its recovery.

• Authorities are calling for public help to identify the suspect, hoping that witness descriptions and the released suspect sketch will lead to an arrest.