The alleged killers of a leopard seal found with gunshot wounds on a Northland beach have been caught.
Four teenage males, two aged 16 and two aged 15, would be referred to Youth Aid over the incident, police said.
The leopard seal was found dead of gunshot wounds to the face on a beach near Te Kopuru on Friday July 24.
Police said they hoped that the update would provide the public with some degree of reassurance.
Police thanked the community for the assistance they provided.