A tourist who allegedly hurled a coconut-sized rock at an endangered Hawaiian monk seal on a Maui beach has faced severe backlash, including death threats and a physical assault, according to his defence lawyer.
Incident on Maui Beach
Igor Lytvynchuk, 38, is facing federal charges for the incident, which was captured on video and sparked widespread outrage. The video shows Lytvynchuk throwing a large rock at the resting seal, a protected species under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Defence Lawyer's Statement
Lytvynchuk's lawyer claims his client mistook the monk seal for an aggressive sea lion and was attempting to protect sea turtles in the area. The lawyer also stated that Lytvynchuk has been "brutally assaulted" and received numerous death threats since the video went viral.
Prosecutors, however, allege that Lytvynchuk told a witness he "did not care" and was "rich" enough to pay any fines after being confronted about the act. The incident has drawn sharp criticism from conservationists and the public.
Legal Consequences
Lytvynchuk faces up to one year in prison and a potential fine of up to $20,000 for each charge. The charges are brought under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act, which provide strict penalties for harming protected species.
Hawaiian monk seals are one of the most endangered marine mammals in the world, with only about 1,400 individuals remaining. Conservation efforts have been ongoing to protect the species from human interference and habitat loss.
The case has highlighted the tensions between tourists and wildlife in Hawaii, where fragile ecosystems are often threatened by human activities. Authorities urge visitors to keep a safe distance from wildlife and report any suspicious behaviour.
