“It’s great that the community cares so much about these mammals but most callers describe normal seal behaviour like drifting in the water or lazing on a beach.”
Seals are often observed sneezing and coughing, which rangers say may look odd but is likely to be the seal getting rid of undigested food like squid beaks and fish bones.
“There are often a couple of calls a year from people concerned that the seal is crying but seals don’t have tear ducts,” Jamie Quirk says.
“Weepy eyes are normal moisture secretions. It’s also normal for seals to be immobile. Seals are good at lying around and resting.”
DoC does not want to discourage genuine calls about seal welfare.
People can phone DoC on 0800 362 468 if there is a need, such as a seal being harassed by people or dogs.
“It’s also important the public allow rangers to deal with seals, as on occasion we need to transfer a seal for their safety,” he said.
“When we shift seals, they are moved to remote places where the likelihood of them being disturbed is reduced.”
DoC has a hands-off policy with seals and will only intervene if a seal is obviously severely injured, entangled in marine debris or in a dangerous place, such as on or near a public road.
“Fur seals are wild animals and will defend their territory aggressively. They can also carry infectious diseases and can inflict serious injury with their teeth”
Mr Quirk says if you encounter a seal on or near a beach, leave it be.
