There are an estimated 1100 Hawaiian monk seals in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and 300 in the main Hawaiian Islands. US authorities have launched an investigation and fined tourists honeymooning in Hawaii after a video on social media showed a woman touching an endangered Hawaiian monk seal. A video posted on TikTok and other social media showed a woman touching the seal at a Kauai beach in June. One tourist learns they mean it* First time visitors to Hawaii: 18 things you need to knowThere are an estimated 1100 Hawaiian monk seals in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands and 300 in the main Hawaiian Islands. It's a felony to touch or harass a Hawaiian monk seal under state and federal laws, with penalties of up to five years in prison and a US$50,000 (NZ$72,000) fine.

Source: Stuff July 13, 2021 20:48 UTC