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Man Arrested for Rock-Throwing at Endangered Monk Seal

5/17/2026

46 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, was arrested and charged with harassing an endangered monk seal after throwing a rock at it, saying he was “rich” enough to pay fines.
The rock missed the seal’s head but forced it to react, prompting charges under Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Richard Bissen called the act animal cruelty and officials warned that only about 1,600 monk seals remain, highlighting their status.

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Story summary

Igor Mykhaylovych Lytvynchuk, 38, was arrested and charged with harassing an endangered monk seal after throwing a rock at it, saying he was “rich” enough to pay fines.
The rock missed the seal’s head but forced it to react, prompting charges under Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act.
Richard Bissen called the act animal cruelty and officials warned that only about 1,600 monk seals remain, highlighting their status.