‘Tis the Season for Monk Seal Pups
Have you seen a woolly black seal pup galumphing along the Hawaiʻi shoreline?
If not, it’s because these sightings are incredibly rare. Endangered Hawaiian monk seals, or ‘īlioholoikauaua, can give birth to one pup per year (though twins have been documented on rare occasions!). Roughly 200 are born annually across the entire 1,500-mile stretch from Hawai‘i Island to Hōlanikū (Kure Atoll).
March–August is the peak pupping season for Hawaiian monk seals. The 5–7 week nursing period after birth is the most critical window for a monk seal pup’s survival.
To give moms and pups a healthy start together, keep an eye out for these signs of the season along the shoreline, and follow a few simple steps to help these pairs thrive.
Things to Look Out For During Peak Monk Seal Pupping Season
1. The Woolly Black Newborn Coat
“Woolly” is probably not the first word that comes to mind when you think of a seal, but Hawaiian monk seals, like many infant mammals, are born with a thick, black protective coat called “lanugo.” They’ll shed this layer of fur in about 6 weeks to reveal a new slick, silvery grey coat.
This unique "first molt" is entirely separate from the "catastrophic molt" that monk seals eventually undergo each year to replace their weathered coat.
2. The 150-Foot “Nursery Bubble”
"The tender years" are just tender weeks for a Hawaiian monk seal. Pups spend just 5–7 weeks with their mothers, growing from vulnerable newborns to self-sufficient ocean explorers. Because this developmental window is so brief, it’s critical that moms and pups are not disturbed. That’s where the 150-foot “nursery bubble” comes into play.
This buffer zone isn't just about protecting seals. It’s about keeping beachgoers safe, too. Mother monk seals can be famously defensive and will intervene against anything perceived as a threat. So give mom and pup pairs extra space—at least 150 feet—on land and in the water. Respecting that boundary ensures the best possible “puphood” for one of the world’s most endangered seal species.
3. The Fasting Mother
Nurturing a Hawaiian monk seal keiki to independence in roughly 40 days is an amazing feat. And for the mother, it’s also a time of extreme self-deprivation.
These hard-working mothers fast for the entire nursing period. While they are providing fatty milk to help their pups double (or triple!) in size, they may even lose hundreds of pounds themselves—all to ensure their pups’ growth and survival!
NOAA Fisheries and our partners carefully monitor these pairs and remain especially watchful as the nursing period ends.
While a mother’s weight loss is expected, we may intervene if a pup requires specialized medical care or rehabilitation to ensure their health.
4. Signs of a Weaning Pup
Thanks to mom’s milk, a pup at the end of the nursing period can grow quite large—up to 200 pounds. Their dark wooly coat transitions into a smooth dark grey to brown color.
Weaned pups, known as “weaners,” are very impressionable and may seek social interaction with humans, but this is a critical stage in their lives. They must learn to find food and survive on their own. As they learn to forage, pups are often seen swimming, diving, and playing with rocks, seaweed, or sticks. It is up to us to avoid interactions and stay out of their way, giving them the room they need to grow into independent adults.
Weaned pups may also not yet be wary of threats, like dogs. Pet owners should keep their dogs leashed and at least 50 feet away from all seals.
Be a Citizen Scientist: Report All Seal Sightings
Whether you’re “pup-arazzi” hoping for a photo, or a casual beachgoer just passing through, keeping your distance—150 feet—is the most practical way to share the shore with monk seal mothers and pups.
You can also help NOAA Fisheries and our partners monitor the population by reporting monk seal sightings. Each report goes into our long-term database used to track the species’ recovery. Please report all monk seal sightings, including nursing moms and pups, to the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline: (888) 256-9840.
