Two monk seals were found dead on Molokai and state and federal officials are investigating. 

The body of an 8-year-old male was found last month, and a young female seal was discovered a couple of days ago. 

Animal autopsies conducted on the seals indicate that both died under suspicious circumstances and foul play cannot be ruled out, according to a statement from Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources. 

Jeff Walters, a NOAA official, said that both monk seals were born in Kalaupapa on Molokai and frequented the south shore. 

The young female was seen on the beach as recently as late November and was in good condition.

“The loss of the female is particularly bad because she appeared to be healthy and she was young and hadn’t had a chance to have pups yet,” said Walters. 

The endangered monk seal population has been declining in the northwest Hawaiian islands at a dangerous rate, but the seals have been prospering recently in the main Hawaiian islands. Currently, NOAA officials are proposing expanded protections for the seals around the main Hawaiian islands — a proposal that has angered many fishermen.  

Monk seals have been intentionally killed in the past. 

Three were shot to death in 2009 — two on Kauai, and one on Molokai. 

NOAA officials haven’t said definitively whether foul play was involved in these most recent deaths or whether there are any suspects. But they’ve referred the case to their law enforcement division and are encouraging anyone with information about the deaths to call 1-800-853-1964. 

Harassing or killing monk seals is a felony and can entail up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. 

A statement from Molokai resident Walter Ritte can be found here.

Credit: NOAA