Another Lazy Beach Day on Maui

My sister in law was recently over on a beach in West Maui when she came upon this Hawaiian Monk Seal enjoying a lazy day on the sand.

Hawaiian Monk Seals are endangered species. Every once in a while they will camp out on a more popular beach for a few days at a time. Due to its limited numbers, humans are asked not to disturb these cute pinnipeds. To limit human seal interaction, wildlife officers and/or county lifeguards will occasionally rope off the areas where a seal is lounging. I have seen a few on the beach myself and seen a couple out in the lineup while surfing. I feel pretty lucky to have had the opportunity to encounter these beautiful animals.