The NSW Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) has issued a statement warning visitors and locals in Merimbula should be aware of the presence of Australian fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus doriferus) following an unfortunate incident.
Australian fur seals tend to arrive in the Merimbula estuary around this time of year seeking fish and squid. While this gives people an opportunity to see these charismatic marine mammals, there’s also a risk of negative encounters occurring.
One particular animal in the area was witnessed to have been harassed by people, with children throwing rocks at it and a fisherman allegedly prodding it.
“They were only a metre away from it, you could see the seal was really agitated, they are usually so relaxed but it was up on it’s flippers and making growling noises,” resident Carol Spencer told Merimbula News Online.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NPWS ranger George Malolakis said the animal had been provoked enough to lash out.
“Seals are wild animals and this one has already bitten somebody. Fortunately they did not require stitches but they were taken to hospital for assessment,” Malolakis said.
“For everyone’s sake, the seal included, it’s best to prevent another altercation. We hope it will eat its fill and move on to a less populated spot soon, but it could hang around for weeks or months.”
Legal approach distances in NSW dictate people should be no closer than 40 metres to a seal when on land and 10 metres in water. People must also keep a distance of 80 metres from seal pups at all times.
“Seals can move very quickly on land and have sharp teeth. Dogs must be kept on leads and people must adhere to the approach distances,” warned Malolakis.
If anyone in the area has a concern about a seal or any marine mammal, they’re encouraged to call NPWS or the licensed volunteers at the Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) in (02) 9415 3333.