In a disturbing incident that has drawn the attention of wildlife authorities and conservation advocates, two individuals were captured on video throwing rocks at a protected northern elephant seal on a California beach earlier this month. The footage, recorded via a livestream camera and widely shared, has sparked outrage and prompted an active investigation by federal and state officials. As responses pour in from across the country, authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify the suspects and bring them to justice.
Disturbing Footage Captured on Livestream
On December 6, 2025, a livestream camera at Chimney Rock beach in Point Reyes National Seashore recorded a chilling scene: a man and a woman hurling rocks at a resting elephant seal, a species protected under federal law. The video clearly shows both individuals engaging in the harmful act, with several rocks appearing to make contact with the animal.
The footage was first reported to authorities by a concerned viewer in Japan who happened to be watching the Marine Mammal Center’s livestream when the incident occurred. Despite the remote location of the viewer, their quick action set off a chain of reports that alerted park officials and law enforcement agencies.
Description of Suspects Released
Officials have provided a description of the two individuals in hopes the public can help identify them. According to the National Park Service, the woman observed in the video was wearing a white baseball cap, a red and dark-colored jacket with blue and gold accents, and jeans. The man accompanying her appeared to be wearing a dark jacket with neon yellow trim and was carrying a large DSLR-style camera.
Park officials have emphasized that the footage appears to show deliberate and targeted behavior, not accidental rock throws or mischief. Multiple rocks were launched toward the seal, underscoring the severity of the incident.
Legal Protections for Marine Mammals
The northern elephant seal is protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), a federal law that prohibits harassment, harm, or disturbance of marine mammals. Violations of the MMPA can result in significant fines and possible jail time.
Additionally, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife enforces state regulations that protect these animals within its jurisdiction. Authorities stress that throwing objects at marine mammals is unlawful and can cause unnecessary stress, injury, or even long-term harm to these vulnerable creatures.
Conservation Significance of Northern Elephant Seals
Northern elephant seals, once hunted to near extinction in the 19th century, are now considered a conservation success story thanks to decades of protective efforts. After rebounding from a tiny remnant population, their numbers have grown substantially, and they now inhabit several coastal areas in California and Mexico.
Chimney Rock is a particularly important site during the winter months, as elephant seals return to breed and, eventually, to pup. The annual return of these massive marine mammals draws wildlife enthusiasts from around the world, but it also requires responsible viewing practices to ensure their safety.
Response from National Park Service and Marine Mammal Center
In posts on social media and official statements, the National Park Service highlighted the disturbingly intentional nature of the harassment. Park officials clarified that while many visitors and livestream viewers are passionate about marine life, this type of behavior is unacceptable and potentially harmful.
The Marine Mammal Center, a nonprofit that operates the Chimney Rock camera and rehabilitates injured marine wildlife, reiterated that such incidents are rare but deeply troubling. Their representatives emphasized the need for public awareness about respectful wildlife interaction.
Public Assistance Requested
To aid in the investigation, authorities are asking anyone with information about the identities of the two individuals to contact the National Park Service tip line at 888-653-0009. Officials are hopeful that public tips will help lead to their identification and ensure accountability under the law.
Officials stress that community involvement is crucial in cases like this, both to uphold legal protections for wildlife and to foster a culture of respect and safety around natural habitats.
The unsettling incident at Point Reyes National Seashore highlights the ongoing need for vigilance and education in wildlife conservation. As federal and local authorities continue to investigate the rock-throwing episode, the broader community is being called upon to help identify the individuals responsible and reaffirm the importance of protecting vulnerable marine mammals. Authorities remind visitors and wildlife watchers alike that observing from a distance and respecting natural behavior is not just courteous—it’s the law.
