Summary

On May 5,38-year-old Igor Lytvynchuk from Washington state was caught on camera throwing a rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal. lytvynchuk faces up to a year in prison and fines totaling $70,000 for violating the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. his lawyer claims he was trying to protect nearby sea turtles, but witnesses and prosecutors dispute this.

Lytvynchuk's Actions and Arrest

Footage shows Lytvynchuk throwing a coconut-sized rock at the seal, narrowly missing its head. he was arrested earlier this month and faces charges for harassing and attempting to harass a protected animal. If convicted, he could serve up to a year in prison on each charge.

After the incident, Lytvynchuk allegedly told a bystander that he 'did not care and was rich enough to pay any fines'. His lawyer, Myles Breiner, claims Lytvynchuk has been inundated with death threats and even received a package of feces.

Lytvynchuk's Defense and Backlash

Breiner argues that his client is being unfairly targeted because he is a white outsider. He claims Lytvynchuk believed the animal was an aggressive sea lion and was trying to protect nearby turtles. However, witness Kaylee Schnitzer,who filmed the incident, told investigators the seal was 'clearly not aggressive' and had been playing on a log.

Breiner also notes that 'the vast majority of attacks on monk seal and turtle are by locals', suggesting Lytvynchuk is being singled out. However, U.S. Attorney Ken Sorenson pledges 'rapid accountability' for those who harass and attempt to harm Hawaii's protected wildlife .

Monk Seals and Protections

Hawaiian monk seals are critically endangered, with only around 1,400 remaining. They are protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.. Harassment or harm to these seals can result in significant fines and imprisonment.