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Man Launches Rock at Endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal, Sparks Online Outrage
NOAA said the man could face fines up to $50,000 and jail time if investigators determine he harmed a protected monk seal.
- On Tuesday, a 37-year-old Seattle man allegedly threw a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal swimming off Lahaina, Maui, prompting an investigation by state and federal authorities.
- DOCARE Chief Jason Redulla confirmed officers identified the suspect, who invoked his constitutional rights and declined to speak; the case is moving to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office of Law Enforcement.
- Maui resident Kaylee Schnitzer, 18, witnessed the incident and recorded a viral video, stating the man aimed a rock "directly towards the monk seal's head."
- Under state law, intentional harassment of a Hawaiian monk seal is a class C felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of $50,000.
- With only about 1,600 of these endangered mammals remaining in the wild, officials remind the public to maintain at least 50 feet of distance from all monk seals.
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Washington man detained after allegedly throwing rock at Hawaiian monk seal in viral video
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources18
Leaning Left2Leaning Right1Center9Last UpdatedBias Distribution75% Center
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
75% Center
L 17%
C 75%
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