Hawaiian monk seal death under investigation

State and federal officials are investigating the death of a juvenile Hawaiian monk seal on Kauai.

The incident was reported on Thursday in the Anahola area and the cause of death of the seal is currently unknown, according to the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Law enforcement officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) and the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration’s Office of Law Enforcement are investigating.

Killing a Hawaiian monk seal is both a federal and state crime with severe penalties. Under state law, intentionally or knowingly killing a monk seal is a felony.

Anyone who has information about this incident is urged to contact DOCARE at (808) 643-DLNR (3567) or use the free DLNRTip app available for iPhone and Android devices. Or call the OLE enforcement hotline at (800) 853-1964.