Tourist accused of hurling rock at endangered Hawaii monk seal's head is arrested by federal agents
CBS News • • nation
Key Points:
- Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, a 38-year-old tourist from Washington, was arrested by federal agents for allegedly throwing a large rock at "Lani," an endangered Hawaiian monk seal, off a Maui beach.
- The incident was captured on video by a witness, showing Lytvynchuk aiming and throwing a coconut-sized rock at the seal, which caused the animal to abruptly change its behavior.
- Lytvynchuk reportedly told a witness he did not care about the consequences and claimed he was "rich" enough to pay any fines.
- He faces charges of harassing a protected animal, with potential penalties including up to one year in prison per charge and fines up to $50,000 under the Endangered Species Act and $20,000 under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.
- Maui officials and the U.S. attorney emphasized the importance of protecting endangered species like the Hawaiian monk seal, highlighting Lani as a symbol of hope and resilience following the 2023 wildfires.