(BIVN) – Peak pupping season is underway across the islands for the endangered Hawaiian monk seal. 

The Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources says monk seals give birth year-round, but the months from March through August are the busiest for births. From a DLNR news release issued on Friday: 

After coming ashore to give birth, female Hawaiian monk seals nurse their pups for five to seven weeks. During this period, mothers invest all their energy into caring for their young and can be especially protective.

While these events offer a rare opportunity to observe native wildlife, DLNR officials emphasize that human behavior plays a key role in ensuring the survival of both mother and pup.

Kaimana monk seals on May 1, 2024 (photo by Hawaiʻi DLNR)

The DLNR is reminding beachgoers that Hawaiian monk seals are protected under both state and federal law, “and it is illegal to harass, disturb or harm them.” 

“Maintaining a safe distance helps prevent stress that can cause mothers to abandon their pups or act defensively,” the department cautions. “Mother seals can weigh several hundred pounds and may bite if they feel threatened.” 

If you encounter a monk seal along Hawaiian beaches, best practices include:

• Keep dogs on a leash and well away from seals
• Stay at least 150 feet away from mothers with pups
• Stay at least 50 feet away from all monk seals
• Remain behind any posted signs, cones or barriers
• Avoid swimming near a mother and pup
• Use a camera zoom or binoculars instead of approaching

From the DLNR:

Hawaiian monk seals are found nowhere else in the world and are an important part of Hawaiʻi’s natural and cultural heritage. Continued recovery of the species depends on the collective efforts of the community to respect wildlife and share shorelines responsibly.

Community reports help biologists monitor seal health and respond quickly if intervention is needed.

DLNR encourages the public to report monk seal sightings, especially those involving pups, to the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at 888-256-9840.