Cause of death for Hawaiian monk seal pup probably dog ​​attack

State Department of Conservation officials today reported the death of a newborn monk seal pup on the north shore of Oahu, suspected to be the result of a dog attack.

The pup, identified as PO7, was born to a monk seal named Luana, or RN58, on the North Coast, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Volunteers first spotted the mother-pup pair on Thursday.

NOAA Fisheries said the death was reported as a dog attack that occurred Thursday evening, but an autopsy is currently underway to determine the cause of death.

NOAA’s Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the incident but said no further details are available at this time.

Officials remind the public that the Hawaiian monk seals’ peak birthing season runs from March to August.

“To give these pups the best chance of survival, it is important to keep mothers with pups at least 150 feet away and to keep dogs on a leash on the beach,” NOAA said in a press release.

The deceased cub was the seventh cub born on Oahu this year.

Kaiwi’s pup, formerly known as PO5, was the fifth pup born on Oahu and was recently named Pa’aki by students at Halau Ku Mana Public Charter School. Officials have cordoned off most of Kaimana Beach to protect the monk seal mother and her pup, as well as the public.

Hawaiian monk seals are one of the most endangered seal species in the world, according to NOAA. It is estimated that only 1,600 seals remain in the wild. According to NOAA, each pup represents hope for the species’ recovery. They are protected by federal and state laws.

Report monk seal sightings, injuries, and strandings to NOAA’s Marine Wildlife Hotline at 888-256-9840.