Watch: Waikiki swimmer attacked by 'protective' monk seal mom
A swimmer in Waikiki was injured Sunday during a harrowing encounter with a Hawaiian monk seal that apparently was trying to protect her 2-week-old pup.
According to Hawaii News Now, the unidentified woman might have ignored warnings and was helped to shore after the incident, having suffered an apparent arm injury.
The accompanying video footage, captured by tourists and shared by media outlets, show the woman attempting to ward off the mammal as people in the crowd react from shore. The seal pup is close to mom in the first clip.
The Hawaiian monk seal is one of the most endangered seal species in the world. Fewer than 1,600 animals exist in the Northwestern and main Hawaiian Islands.
The seal in question is nicknamed “Rocky,” who became famous in 2017 after giving birth on a bustling Waikiki beach. The newest pup, a male, is Rocky’s 14th pup.
Hawaii Marine Animal Response on Sunday issued a statement explaining that HMAR and NOAA Fisheries have been monitoring Rocky and her pup while “providing outreach to the public at the location.”
Rocky’s Kaimana Beach location is surrounded by a rope barrier and people are cautioned give her plenty of space. A portion of the HMAR statement reads:
“People are again reminded that Hawaiian monk seal moms with pups are protective, can be dangerous, and have inflicted serious wounds on nearby swimmers. We continue to warn people not to engage in in-water activities when a monk seal mother with a pup are in the area and to stay at least 150 feet from mother seals with pups.
“We ask people to please follow the guidance and instructions provided by HMAR, NOAA, Ocean Safety, or other authorized parties on the beach.”
–Monk seal image atop this post is generic