7/30 News Alert to Big Island Volunteers

Hey Bloggers anyone around the Hilo side of Big Island keep your eyes open and follow up with the email or phone number below.  I wish all the responders the best of luck and just hope the seal has found some safety.  ~donna~

From: Hilo Marine Mammal Response Network
Date: July 30, 2010 2:47:31 PM HST

Aloha all,

Unfortunately, a monk seal was attacked by a Pit Bull earlier today in the Kau region. Reports from the NOAA law enforcement agency say the attack lasted for about a minute until the seal retreated into the ocean. The extent of injury is unknown, and is very little information currently about this matter. If you have any information (location attack may have taken place, name of dog owner, recent seal sightings, etc.) please contact our monk seal line at 808-756-5961, or email hmmrn@hawaii.edu.

Also, this attack reminds us that each individual seal is crucial to the survival of the species. There are only ~1,100 seals left, and the number declines each year. If you see a seal, please remember to be respectful and call the hot line above, but send us photos that may assist in the photo-identification of the seal.

Please email if you are still here for the summer and can be on standby for a response.

Thank you,
Laura J. Knight
HMMRN Volunteer Coordinator