Officials Say Two People Threw Rocks at Elephant Seals in California—Now They’re Asking for Your Help

Earlier this month, two people were seen on a livestream throwing rocks at an elephant seal resting on the beach at the Point Reyes National Seashore. Now, officials are seeking the public’s help in identifying the individuals.

The National Park Service (NPS) shared a screenshot of the video in a Facebook post on December 19.

In an email to Outside, the Marine Mammal Center (MMC), a nonprofit animal hospital, said that a viewer in Japan watching the livestream reported the incident. 

An adult woman with black hair was “observed throwing multiple rocks, several of which appear to strike the seal,” read the post. A male with her was also seen “throwing rocks in the direction of the seal.”

The duo deliberately acted, alleged the NPS on Facebook.

Point Reyes National Seashore, a 71,000-acre protected coastal area in northern California, hosts a livestream of a beach called Chimney Rock. Here, the MMC frequently returns its rehabilitated patients to the ocean. This is also a popular beach for elephant seals, who breed here between December and March.

Northern elephant seals are the second-largest seals in the world, second only to their relative, the southern elephant seal. As their name suggests, northern elephant seals have large noses that resemble, well, an elephant’s trunk. Males develop an impressively sized nose, or proboscis, when they reach sexual maturity, all in hopes of attracting a potential breeding partner.

“Larger male northern elephant seals have in recent weeks started to come and go from the Chimney Rock area within Point Reyes National Seashore in advance of annual elephant seal pupping season here along the central and northern California coast,” Giancarlo Rulli, MMC associate director of public relations, said to Outside. “It appears from the video that just the one adult male was present and harassed.”

Considered a conservation success story, the northern elephant seal was thought to have been extinct by the late 19th century after being targeted by hunters and whalers for their blubber and oil. According to the NPS, a population of 20-100 individuals survived. This small group ultimately bred and led to a current population of more than 170,000 descendants today.

“Our work is focused on finding solutions and dedicating resources to address the complex factors behind marine mammal disturbance along our vast 600-mile California response range,” Adam Ratner, MMC director of conservation engagement, told Outside. “Our research shows that the overwhelming majority of people are well-intentioned and want to help these animals, but they don’t know how and often take the wrong action. We want to empower both tourists and locals alike to take the action that’s best and safest for marine mammals and people alike.”

“This particular incident, however, is a clear example of intentional harassment toward a resting marine mammal with a clear risk of injury. The footage is both alarming and extremely distressing. No photograph or wildlife experience warrants this type of behavior,” adds Ratner.

It’s unlawful to harass or disturb marine mammals in California, according to the state’s Department of Fish and Wildlife. The seals are federally protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and other wildlife regulations administered by the NPS. Violating the MMPA can lead to fines of more than $36,000 and up to one year in prison.

Anyone with information can contact the NPS tip line at +1-888-653-0009.