A seal on the beach off Tay Street, Mount Maunganui has caught the attention of walkers in the area.

“I had just purchased a coffee from Tay Street Cafe at 9am after dropping the kids off at school and was walking home via the beach,” says Hannah Douglas.

“It was a lovely warm, still morning, so it was easy to see from a distance.”

Hannah says the seal was “moving around lots”.

“And when I stopped to have a better look a few dogs came running up, so I shooed them away.”

The Department of Conservation website states that from July to September each year there's an influx in adolescent seals appearing on our shores and further inland. This is because seal pups begin to wean as their mothers prepare for new pups.

Dogs are not required to be on a leash at the beach at Tay Street, unlike other locations such as Omanu Surf Club car park. Tay Street is a popular dog walking area, however a dog owner whose dog attacks a seal could face prosecution as it is an offence under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 to disturb, harass, harm, injure or kill a seal.

DOC recommends that on finding a New Zealand fur seal it's usually best to leave it alone, however, there are exceptions.

Seals are wild animals and will defend themselves if they feel threatened. Adult seals can move surprisingly quickly on land. While they can look harmless, seals can inflict serious injuries to dogs or people and can carry infectious diseases.

DOC takes a ‘hands off' approach to seals. Seals are capable and resilient and given time and space, they usually find their way home.

DOC provide safety guidelines when watching seals. You should stay at least 20 metres away, don't disturb seals by making loud noises or throwing things, keep dogs and children away, don't feed the seals, and never attempt to touch a seal.

More information on seals and what to do if you come across one can be found on the Department of Conservation website http://www.doc.govt.nz/nature/native-animals/marine-mammals/seals/nz-fur-seal/what-to-do/