The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is searching for a person who repeatedly stabbed a baby seal on a beach in the state of Oregon, in the United States (USA), writes the Associated Press (AP).
The seal survived the attack in a cove in the small town of Neskowin, which is located along the Pacific Ocean, NOAA said Monday. The Marine Stranding Administration team was able to help the animal relocate after observation and assessment.
The law enforcement agency investigating the attack is searching for a "person of interest" spotted by a witness.
Officials are also searching for the owner of a vehicle seen in a parking lot near the cove behind an apartment building that may be connected to the attack Sunday night, according to NOAA.
In the spring and summer, young seals often come to Oregon beaches, while adult seals are rarely seen in that US state.
The federal Marine Mammal Protection Act prohibits the harassment, injury, killing, or feeding of wild seals and other marine mammals.
Violators can face fines of up to $100.000, as well as up to a year in prison.
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