A 3-month-old female monk seal was likely killed by a dog, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  

Hoʻomau Lehua (RS48) was found dead on June 12, 2023. NOAA fisheries conducted a necropsy and histopathology, confirming the young monk seal likely died from a dog attack. 

The monk seal had puncture wounds around her head and flippers that NOAA said occurred prior to her death and were consistent with bites from a dog. NOAA said the young monk seal also had hemorrhaging in her body that was consistent with being shaken by a dog. 

Hoʻomau Lehua is the second monk seal to be killed by a dog. A dog killed a monk seal pup on Kauai in 2014. Dogs have also injured several other seals, including a 3-year-old seal, who was brought to the Marine Mammal Center’s Hawaiian monk seal hospital Ke Kai Ola for special care in 2021. 

NOAA asks anyone who sees or suspects a natural resource violation to call 808-643-DLNR, or use the free DLNRTip app. All monk seal sightings should be reported to the statewide NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline at (888) 256-9840.