It’s pupping season for Hawaiian monk seals and officials are reminding the public to give monk seal mothers and their newborns space. 

Monk seals are increasingly giving birth in the main Hawaiian Islands, with 34 born last year and three already born this year. As a result, humans and monk seals are having more chance encounters.

What You Need To Know

  • Monk seal moms will nurse, bond and teach skills to their pups for five to seven weeks

  • During this time, mother seals are very protective of their young and will attack people

  • While mother monk seals are still nursing their pups, it is important to give them space and allow the young to get adequate nourishment and to learn seal behaviors

Monk seal moms will nurse, bond and teach skills to their pups for five to seven weeks. During this time, mother seals are very protective of their young. In 2022, a monk seal mom attacked a visitor from California at Kaimana Beach, where she had given birth and was raising her pup. 

“Monk seals give birth year-round, but March through August is when we see the majority of these adorable — and endangered — pups make their debut,” said Brian Neilson, administrator of the DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources, in a news release.

The DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement, the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife, DAR, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Hawaii Marine Animal Response, and various city and county agencies work together to protect monk seals, particularly when they give birth at crowded beaches. 

While mother monk seals are still nursing their pups, it is important to allow the young to get adequate nourishment and to learn seal behaviors. 

DLNR asked during their period that people:

  • Give mothers with pups at least 150 feet of space on land and in the water
  • Keep their dogs on leashes while at the beach 
  • Report seal sightings to the statewide NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline: 888-256-9840

Hawaiian monk seals are native to Hawaii and endangered animals. NOAA researchers estimated in 2022, the population size of Hawaiian monk seals was 1,605. State and federal laws protect the marine mammals. To minimize disturbances to the animals, officials do not release the locations of monk seal births, unless there’s a need to bring attention to a location where human-monk seal encounters are likely to happen. 

Neilson added, “We appreciate everyone’s understanding and support during these crucial nursing periods. Let’s admire from afar to keep everyone safe.”

Editor's note: This story has been updated with the correct name for the nonprofit Hawaii Marine Animal Response. (April 4, 2025)

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