Home / Crime and Justice / Rock Thrower Claims Seal Was Aggressive
Rock Thrower Claims Seal Was Aggressive
27 May
Summary
- Tourist accused of throwing rock at endangered Hawaiian monk seal.
- Defendant's lawyer claims seal was mistaken for sea lion.
- Accused man reportedly assaulted, threatened, and doxed post-incident.
Igor Lytvynchuk is scheduled to appear in court on charges of harassing a protected Hawaiian monk seal. A witness video allegedly shows Lytvynchuk throwing a rock at the endangered animal on a Maui beach. Prosecutors state Lytvynchuk dismissed concerns, claiming he was rich enough to pay fines.
Lytvynchuk's attorney asserts his client mistook the seal for a sea lion and acted to protect sea turtles. The attorney also reported Lytvynchuk was assaulted, threatened, and doxed after the incident, suggesting the accused is being unfairly targeted as an outsider.
The incident has drawn public condemnation, including from Maui's mayor, who emphasized the community's deep connection to the seal. Lytvynchuk faces potential prison time and significant fines if convicted under the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
