The group coordinates the Monk Seal Watch on Maui, educating the public and protecting monk seals when they come to shore to rest, give birth or nurse their pups.

Bernard said that while the 8-foot-long seal, known as Makana, has been spotted pregnant in the past, she has not been seen with pups.

There are about 1,300 Hawaiian monk seals, most in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. In recent years there has been an increase in both the number of adult seals sighted in the main Hawaiian islands and pups born here, with births on each of the eight main islands.

Unlike the frisky monk seals that have nipped or groped swimmers on Maui, Kaua'i and the Big Island in recent incidents, the Ho'okipa seal appears to be more disdainful of human company. Bernard described an incident Monday in which a woman went inside the cordon to stand next to the seal and spooked the animal. Makana reared up, and when the woman tried to back away she fell, Bernard said. The seal advanced onto the woman's legs but she was able to scramble to safety.

Federal and state regulations prohibit disturbing monk seals. People and their pets are required to stay at least 50 yards away from a resting seal because of the potential risk to both humans and animals.

Bernard said that because the seal is molting, the animal likely will remain at the beach for at least another week.