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If you see anyone disturbing fur seals call the DOC emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) and report it.
New Zealand fur seal
Image: Sabine Bernert | ©
Population: the last total population estimate was 200,000 in 2001. It will be higher now, but unknown by how much.
Threat status: least concern (population trend: increasing).
Found on: rocky shores throughout mainland New Zealand, the Chatham Islands, and the subantarctic islands, as well as parts of Australia.
Seals are very good swimmers and weaned pups will sometimes travel great distances. On land seals have been found in unusual places such as backyards, drains and streets.
Despite these odd appearances, seals are best left alone with no human intervention.
New Zealand fur seal in Kaikoura
New Zealand fur seal in Kaikoura
...Image: Katherine Clements ©
New Zealand fur seal pups in Kaikoura
New Zealand fur seal pups in Kaikoura
...Image: Katherine Clements ©
New Zealand fur seal in Kaikoura
New Zealand fur seal in Kaikoura
...Image: Katherine Clements ©
New Zealand fur seal
New Zealand fur seal
...Image: Nina Wells ©
New Zealand fur seal pup in Kaikoura
New Zealand fur seal pup in Kaikoura
...Image: Katherine Clements ©
A New Zealand fur seal pup hides in the rocks
A New Zealand fur seal pup hides in the rocks
...Image: Laura Boren | DOC
A mother and pup pair reunite at Ohau Point colony
A mother and pup pair reunite at Ohau Point colony
...Image: Laura Boren | DOC
A pup tries to sneak milk from a sleeping female fur seal at Ohau Point
A pup tries to sneak milk from a sleeping female fur seal at Ohau Point
...Image: Laura Boren | DOC
A mother and pup pair bask in the sun at Ohau Point
A mother and pup pair bask in the sun at Ohau Point
...Image: Laura Boren | DOC
A coastal New Zealand fur seal colony at Ohau Point
A coastal New Zealand fur seal colony at Ohau Point
...Image: Laura Boren | DOC
Close up of a fur seal pup tagged at Ohau Stream Waterfall
Close up of a fur seal pup tagged at Ohau Stream Waterfall
...Image: Laura Boren | DOC
If you see anyone disturbing fur seals call the DOC emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) and report it.