NUUANU, Hawaii (KHON2) — Curiosity took over a Hawaiian monk seal on Thursday, Sept. 25, after a KHON2 viewer spotted the beloved marine mammal in unusual waters.
The viewer sent in multiple videos of the seal hanging out in the Nuuanu Stream around noon, which is quite far from its usual ocean home.
KHON2 reached out to the Hawaii Marine Animal Response to find out if this is a common occurrence.
HMAR officials said it’s not common for monk seals to be seen in streams that connect to the ocean, but they do receive reports of seals exploring said areas.
They added that they did receive a report of a monk seal in the area, but by the time a HMAR staff member was dispatched, the seal had already left.
Whether you spot a monk seal in a common or uncommon area, HMAR encourages the public to report all sightings to the NOAA marine wildlife hotline at 888-256-9840.