DOC is warning those visiting coastal areas to be wary of seals as they haul up on land during the winter months and can be dangerous. It’s seal attack season and coastal walkway and coast users are being warned to stay well clear. In the winter months seals haul up along the coastline to rest. Seal’s can lie in one spot for days before they’ll head back to the ocean. [People need to] stay at least 20 metres away and don’t get between them and the sea. Seals needed the rest and DOC staff could not chase every seal back into the ocean which meant those visiting coastal areas needed to be mindful of the potential hazards. Dog owners and those with young children to keep a close eye on them. DOC could be called if a seal was severely injured, entangled in debris or being harassed by people or dogs.
