Leopard seal danger warning

THIS leopard seal may look pleasant enough, but a leading Tasmanian wildlife biologist is urging the public to maintain a distance from the large mammals.

Leopard seals have been recently spotted on beaches around South Arm, prompting Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment wildlife biologist Rachael Alderman to issue a warning about the animals.

Dr Alderman, of the Marine Conservation Program, urged people and their pets to maintain a 20-metre distance at all times. “Although they might appear docile and even cute, at no time should they be patted, poked or prodded,” she said.

“Leopard seals are large apex predators that have a wide diet and they have been known to attack humans. They are extremely agile and dexterous and their large teeth can inflict painful wounds.”

Dr Alderman said seals haul out on the coast for many reasons, often to sleep and rest.

“They are quite at home out of the water and, unlike whales, do not need to be kept wet or returned to the water,” she said.

Other DPIPWE warnings included: not getting between seals and the water, not trying to feed them and not encouraging them to return to the water.

If seals are causing a disturbance, call the seal and whale hotline on 0427 942 537.