Public reminded to avoid
contact with monk sealsA seal seen off Maui seems
too friendly for its own good
MAALAEA >> Joe Fell-McDonald was working at the stern of a federal humpback whale sanctuary vessel at Maalaea Harbor when he looked back and saw an adult monk seal staring at him.
"He seemed to be saying, 'Where's my food?'" Fell-McDonald said. "After a brief staring contest, the seal swam to the next boat, then on to the next and so on, always acting as if he was looking for food or something."
State and federal marine life officials are reminding the public not to feed monk seals.
Officials said the best way to ensure the survival of monk seals, listed as a federal endangered species, is to allow them to live a wild existence and remain capable of finding their own food.
Officials said constant human contact also places the seals at greater risk of injury with vessels and fishing activities and swallowing contaminated food.
The public is reminded that seals can be aggressive, and is asked to maintain a 50-yard distance from the animals and to also refrain from swimming with them.
Fell-McDonald said yesterday the encounter earlier this week was the second time he has been close to the same monk seal at the harbor.
He said the seal was very curious and looked like he was asking, "What's up, dude?"
Reports of injured seals may be made through calling 888-256-9840.
