The government of New Zealand issued its official notice of seal season when adolecent seals wander away from their beach nurseries and explore inland. Kiwis can expect to find the young marine mammals in unusual places--golf courses, backyard pools, roads and even living room couches. The inexperienced adolescents are typical for young mammals who often get into mischief and mishaps.
[photo]. Winter is cold in NZ, so the furry pups love to sunbath in any warm spot they find like the middle of a tarmac road in the sunshine. The public has been warned not to interfere with animals, but to call wildlife officials who can remove the stranded animal safely if necessary. Marine mammals can become confused in spring when mating begins. A group of college students unintentionally
summoned a huge male seal lion by blowing on a conch shell from their beach cottage!
Some disoriented seal pups have ended up 90kms from the coast. It is a good sign that seal encounters are becoming more common because populations are increasing and reclaiming their historic range. Seals were almost driven to extinction by sealing ships between the 1790's and 1940's. Larger sea lions are rarer, but their numbers are also increasing. Both seals and sea lions are protected in NZ, so enjoy from a safe distance!
