[Animals] Swimmer, 60, injured by Hawaiian monk seal with pup in Waikiki

[Jeenyuhs]

A swimmer at a beach in Waikiki was injured this weekend after encountering an endangered Hawaiian monk seal with a young pup.

Hawaii Marine Animal Response, a nonprofit conservation organization that helps monitor protected species, said their workers witnessed a swimmer come into contact with the mother monk seal known as Rocky on Sunday morning.

The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources said in a statement that the victim is a 60-year-old elementary school teacher from California. The woman received lacerations to her face, arm and back, the agency said.

State officials said they would not recommend charges or fines for the woman and are not naming her because she requested anonymity.

 

 

The Hawaii Marine Animal Response said in a statement that the seal gave birth to a pup about two weeks ago on Kaimana Beach in Waikiki, the same area where the swimmer was injured.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Hawaii Marine Animal Response have been watching the pair and warning people to stay away.

It is against the law to touch, harass, injure or kill monk seals. People are told to stay at least 150 feet (46 meters) away from a mother seal and pup, though that recommendation is not a law.

The shoreline where the seals live is roped off, and beachgoers are warned of the dangers of getting too close to the nursing mother.

 

“We ask people to please follow the guidance and instructions provided by HMAR, NOAA, Ocean Safety, or other authorized parties on the beach,” the organization said in the statement. They said the swimmer was transported by EMS.

 

"NBC"