The Department of Conservation is warning pet owners to keep their dogs on a tight leash in coastal areas, after the spotting of a dead little blue penguin in Napier.
A kororā was found dead at Perfume Point in Ahuriri on Tuesday, the cause of its death remains unclear, DoC says.
"Little blue penguin are relatively common around our Hawke's Bay coastlines but are threatened by habitat loss and are particularly susceptible to dog attacks" DoC senior community ranger for Hawke's Bay Chris Wootton said.
At this time of year, kororā are particularly vulnerable because it's nesting season - they build nests in a variety of nooks and crannies, and have even been known to nest underneath houses, Wootton said.
"We do get calls from time to time from people having them nesting under their houses where they can create a racket and smell. Usually, we try to leave the penguins alone [rather than move them] and most people are very happy to share their space and not disturb penguins."
