National Park Service officials are actively searching for two individuals caught on camera throwing rocks at an elephant seal at Point Reyes National Seashore.
The incident occurred on the afternoon of December 6 at Chimney Rock, a popular location for observing elephant seals. The act was captured by a livestream camera, and the footage shows the individuals deliberately throwing rocks at the resting seal, hitting it multiple times.
The Marine Mammal Center, which operates the Chimney Rock camera, was alerted to the incident by a viewer from Japan who was watching the livestream. The Center expressed deep concern over the harassment, describing it as “alarming and extremely distressing.” The current condition and location of the elephant seal remain unknown.
According to the National Park Service, the two individuals involved are described as a male and a female adult. The woman was seen wearing a white baseball cap, a red and dark-colored jacket with blue and gold accents, and blue jeans. The man was wearing a dark jacket with neon yellow accents and carrying a large black DSLR-style camera.
The Marine Mammal Protection Act and other wildlife regulations protect these animals, making harassment illegal. The Park Service advises maintaining a distance of at least 25 feet from elephant seals, avoiding loud noises, and moving away if the animal shows signs of stress.
Officials are urging anyone with information about the incident to contact the National Park Service tip line at 888-653-0009. The Park Service continues to emphasize the importance of respecting wildlife and adhering to guidelines to ensure the safety and well-being of both visitors and animals.
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