HONOLULU (KHON2) — It’s not unusual to see a monk seal sunbathing or resting on public beaches, especially over the last few days.
Hawaiian monk seal spotted exploring Nuuanu Stream
But in some cases, people can be observed getting a little too close to the animal, potentially frightening it, and endangering both themselves and the mammal likely trying to get some rest.
“Seals do come out onto the beach to rest, they do a lot of swimming. Imagine if you were swimming for a couple of hours and you’re super exhausted and somebody blocks you from getting onto that beach to get a little bit of rest,” said Cydney Johnson from the Waikiki Aquarium Monk Seal Core Team. “It can be quite frustrating. Then that seal has to then be exhausted, and go back out into the water and find a new place to rest.”
Monk seals can sometimes be swimming and foraging for food for days, so the time that they do go onto the beach to rest could potentially be the first time in a long time…