LIHUE, Hawaii – Federal authorities in Hawaii are searching for a man caught on video attacking an endangered monk seal at a beach.
KHON-TV reports (http://bit.ly/1VE1Fdk ) that Kauai County police responded Tuesday to a report of the man attacking the well-known, pregnant seal while it was trying to rest in the water. Officials identified the seal as RK-30, who is easily identifiable by scars from shark bites, boat propellers and a neck entanglement.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration officials say the seal, believed to be about 17 years old, is fine after the attack.
Monk seals are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Anyone caught harming a monk seal can be fined up to $50,000 and ordered to serve up to one year in prison.
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Information from: KHON-TV, http://khon.com
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