HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) - A Hawaiian monk seal was spotted molting in the sunshine at Paradise Cove in Ko Olina on Friday.

This seal, known as RL12, or Aukai, was born in 2012 and has given birth to four pups, according to the Hawaii Marine Animal Response.

Monk seals undergo a “catastrophic molt” about once a year.

Molting is when seals shed the top layer of their skin and fur to reveal a new, silvery coat, a process that can take up to two weeks.

Molting requires a lot of energy and therefore a lot of rest.

Seals often stay on beaches during this time because they are more vulnerable when they are molting.

Remember to always give monk seals plenty of space, at least 50 feet for adults and at least 150 feet of space for pups and moms.

Seal sightings can be reported to the National

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