Tourist accused of hurling rock at endangered Hawaiian seal was trying to protect sea turtles, lawyer says
Summary
A tourist named Igor Lytvynchuk is accused of throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal on a Maui beach. His lawyer says he was trying to protect sea turtles and that Lytvynchuk has since faced threats and an assault. Lytvynchuk is scheduled to appear in court on charges of harassing a protected animal.Key Facts
- Igor Lytvynchuk, from Washington state, allegedly threw a rock at a Hawaiian monk seal in Maui.
- The seal is an adult male identified as R404, a protected and endangered species.
- Lytvynchuk claims he was trying to protect sea turtles and thought the seal was a sea lion.
- A video of the incident was recorded and shown to authorities.
- Lytvynchuk made arrangements to surrender to NOAA agents after the video surfaced.
- Maui’s mayor and Hawaii officials strongly condemned the act, highlighting the seal’s importance.
- Lytvynchuk has faced an assault, threats, and doxing since the incident.
- Hawaiian monk seals are critically endangered and face many threats including habitat loss and fishing gear injuries.
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