You can help fur seal
New Zealand fur seal, Otago
Rules for observing seals
- Observe the seal quietly
- Always keep dogs and small children well away from seals
- Avoid getting nearer than 20 metres to the seal
- Do not touch the seal under any circumstances
- Do not get between the seal and its access to water
- Do not feed the seal
All seals should be treated with caution. They have large teeth, and can become aggressive. They also move surprisingly fast on land. Fur seals can bite with up to 2 tonnes per cm pressure.
Do not feed seals. Feeding them dead fish and high energy human food disrupts their natural diet. As well as this, bacteria on our skin is harmful to their digestive system.
Do not attempt to move, or assist adults or pups. Even if it is sick or injured it may be capable of inflicting serious injury. Seals also harbour infectious diseases that can be transmitted to humans, and are difficult to treat.
When to contact DOC
If you find a seal that is:
- severely injured
- entangled in marine debris
- being harassed by people or dogs
call the DOC HOTline 0800 362 468.
They have experienced staff who will respond if this is necessary. When taking your call they will need the following information:
- Where is the seal and how can they get to it?
- What species of seal is it? (or a description of what it looks like) What size is it?
- What is seems to be wrong with it?
- What is the state of the tide?
- What are the local weather and sea conditions?
You may be asked to stay with the animal until help arrives, or to give a phone number so you can be contacted again if the animal cannot be found.
Seals sometimes turn up in unexpected places. They usually move on but in some cases they may need help. Call the DOC HOTline, they will know what to do. You cannot keep a kekeno. Possessing a seal without a permit is illegal.
When not to contact DOC
The following is normal behaviour for kekeno:
- regurgitating, sneezing or coughing
- "crying" - these are natural moisture secretions
- a young seal spending time away from its mother
- drifting in the waves
- flapping its flippers in the air as if stranded
- immobile
- fighting
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