Hawaiian Monk Seal

In Hawaii last week I was hoping to spend time in forested areas looking for some of the endemic and endangered species of birds. I had not even considered the possibility that I might see a mammal which fits both of those classifications. This Hawaiian Monk Seal was snoring on the beach along Kauai's north shore, oblivious to the strollers passing by within inches of his sandy bed. Scientists believe there have been only three species of Monk Seals in the world, and the only other one that may still be in existence is in the Mediterranean Sea.