Kekeno stopover expected in ‘seal silly season’

A furry visitor to Timaru’s South Beach on Wednesday is not uncommon for this time of the year, the Department of Conservation says.

The New Zealand fur seal (kekeno) attracted about 10 residents from nearby properties, showering the furry marine mammal with attention before it waddled back into the water.

DOC said a quick way to identify kekeno as opposed to a New Zealand sea lion or leopard seal is their distinctive up-turned snout.

Marine science adviser for

DOC, Laura Boren, said in June that reports had been flooding in from around the country of adventurous seals turning up in unusual areas.

‘‘It’s that time of year again – seal silly season,’’ Boren said.

‘‘Despite it happening every winter, it takes people by surprise.

‘‘It’s exciting because it really indicates that fur seals are doing well, and this time of year provides for some unique and special encounters with them.’’

Between May and September young seals, and male seals of any age, can be spotted as they leave their breeding colonies to explore and rest. This includes newly weaned pups finding their way in the world.

Boren said although kekeno are marine mammals, they spend much of their time on land resting and basking in the sun. They are most often found on rocky shores but are curious and exploratory by nature, occasionally travelling up rivers.

She said people may feel concerned seeing young pups alone, or seals regurgitating, sneezing, coughing, or crying.

‘‘This is all part of their normal behaviour, and they are very resilient animals. Watch, enjoy them from a distance, and let them be.

‘‘Call the DOC hotline only if they are in immediate danger, like relaxing on a road, severely injured, or tangled in debris.’’

DOC takes a hands-off approach with seals and will only intervene if the animal is in danger, or in high-traffic urban areas.

‘‘One way for people to help keep kekeno safe during this season is to keep dogs under control,’’ Boren said.

‘‘If you are walking your dog in areas where seals regularly haul out, or see a seal on your beach, put your dog on a lead until you are away from the seal,’’ she said.

‘‘Nearly half of the hotline calls we receive about dogs and wildlife interactions are seals or sea lions being harassed or attacked. This is bound to be a fraction of what occurs.’’

Boren said people can come across seals in unexpected places, especially at this time of the year.

■ If you see a seal which is severely injured, being harassed, or in obvious danger, call DOC on 0800 362 468.