Peak pupping season underway for endangered Hawaiian Monk seals

With Hawaiian monk seal peak pupping season underway across the islands, the state Department of Land and Natural Resources reminds beachgoers they are protected under both state and federal law.

Monk seals give birth year-round, but the months from March through August are the busiest for births and a critical time for one of the state’s most endangered species.

It is illegal to harass, disturb or harm them.

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, state officials emphasize that human behavior plays a key role in ensuring the survival of both mother and pup.

Help the endangered pups by following these best practices:

• 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

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

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.

The Department of Land and Natural Resources encourages the public to report monk seal sightings, especially those involving pups, to the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at 888-256-9840.