Tourist Facing 2 Seal-Harassment Charges Says Threats Followed Maui Rock-Throwing Case
Updated
Updated · NBC News · May 27
Tourist Facing 2 Seal-Harassment Charges Says Threats Followed Maui Rock-Throwing Case
4 articles · Updated · NBC News · May 27
Igor Lytvynchuk, 38, is due in federal court in Honolulu after his lawyer said the Washington tourist was assaulted, doxed and sent death threats following video of him throwing a coconut-sized rock at a Hawaiian monk seal.
Defense attorney Myles Breiner said Lytvynchuk mistook the critically endangered monk seal for an aggressive sea lion and was trying to drive it away from sea turtles, not injure it.
Prosecutors say the rock narrowly missed the head of adult male seal R404 on a Lahaina beach, and a witness reported Lytvynchuk said he was rich enough to pay any fines.
The case carries Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act charges, with up to 1 year in prison on each count and fines of up to $50,000 and $20,000.
NOAA and Hawaii officials have faced renewed pressure to protect and better explain rules around Hawaiian monk seals, a species with only about 1,600 left in the wild.
Will this tourist's attack on a rare seal force Hawaii to change its approach to wildlife and visitors?
When a viral video shows an attack on a rare seal, can a 'mistaken identity' claim possibly succeed in court?
Is the claim that locals harm more seals a valid defense or a controversial tactic to deflect blame?