WAILUKU - A Hawaiian monk seal that has become overly friendly with humans is causing some concern for state and federal wildlife officials, The Maui News reported today.

Known as "RO42" (its flipper tag number), the 2-year-old seal has been frequenting the West Maui area, said officials, who added that the seal has "become accustomed to people and is unnaturally seeking human interaction."

The seal was fed by spear fishermen as a juvenile off the Big Island and lost many of her wild tendencies, a problem that jeopardizes her chances of surviving in the wild. The seal is outfitted with a satellite-tracking tag on her back and is therefore easily identified.

"We are asking for cooperation and support from the people of Maui," said Laura Thielen, chairwoman of the Department of Land and Natural Resources. "It is important to avoid interacting with this seal and all Hawaiian monk seals as much as possible.

"We need to give her a chance to revert back to wild seal behaviors. Maui's coastal community can help this endangered animal and protect their own safety by staying away from this seal so that she is not given positive reinforcement."

The seal has been seen in the ocean near swimmers, surfers and divers, and it has been observed approaching people on shore, state officials said.

State and federal officials ask people to observe the following guidelines to help seals maintain their wild instincts:

* Do not play with, pet, swim with, feed, make eye contact with or otherwise engage with a Hawaiian monk seal.

* Maintain a distance of at least 150 feet.

* If a seal is encountered in the open ocean, leave the water as quickly and safely as possible.

* If an animal approaches on land, ignore it and quickly move back at least 150 feet.

* Report all sightings to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Marine Mammal toll-free, 24-hour phone at (888) 256-9840.

State and federal officials are tracking "RO42" and rope off beach areas when she comes ashore to rest to discourage people from approaching her.

For more information or to report seal sightings, call Nicole Davis, Maui marine mammal response program coordinator, at (808) 292-2372.