This young seal is making its presence felt in Whangarei by entertaining people at the Town Basin.
The seal has been in residence at the Town Basin for most of the week and while it looks cute, the Department of Conservation is warning people not to get too close to it.
DoC says this was the time of year when seals headed to shore, with pups weaned and adults "hauling up" to rest. DoC said seals were cute and it was natural for people to want to have a look if they saw one, but they could have a nasty bite and the public should not approach them.
Seal sightings can be referred to the DoC hotline on 0800 362468. While a seal bite can be nasty, a range of bacteria in their saliva are potentially much more dangerous.
