Tourist accused of hurling rock at endangered Hawaiian seal was trying to protect sea turtles, lawyer says
Igor Lytvynchuk is scheduled to appear in court on charges of harassing and attempting to harass a protected animal
TL;DR
- Igor Lytvynchuk is charged with harassing and attempting to harass a protected Hawaiian monk seal.
- His lawyer claims Lytvynchuk was trying to protect sea turtles and mistook the seal for an aggressive sea lion.
- The incident occurred at a Maui beach, and a witness recorded a video of the alleged rock-throwing.
- Lytvynchuk has reportedly faced assaults, threats, and doxing since the video surfaced.
- Hawaiian monk seals are critically endangered and protected under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
- If convicted, Lytvynchuk faces potential jail time and significant fines.