Monk seal on Kauai recovers from shark bites

KAPAA >> A Hawaiian monk seal that had been seeking refuge in a Kauai canal after apparently being bitten by a shark has returned to the beach. 

The seal named RK13 had been resting in Moikeha Canal in Kapaa every day for almost a month. She avoided beaches, where monk seals usually rest. She also didn’t use her left front flipper much.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s marine mammal response coordinator on Kauai says the seal had injuries consistent with shark bites.

Michele Bane told The Garden Island newspaper the seal likely went to the canal to rest comfortably while her injuries healed. She says RK13 has been recovering well, and has been fully using all of her flippers for the past week. 

She’s also been visiting east Kauai beaches.