After a seal was spotted sunbathing on Prebensen Dr in Napier last week, the Department of Conservation is asking walkers and cyclists on the region's beaches to keep an eye out for seals - and give them space.
New Zealand fur seals, kekeno, are frequent visitors during the winter months and the increase in seals along the coast gives people the opportunity to view seal behaviour they may not previously have seen. This leads to a seasonal surge in seal-related phone calls to the Department of Conservation hotline.
Connie Norgate, DoC's district manager for Hawke's Bay, says, "Kekeno often look skinny and emaciated, or appear as though they are sick, however this is often not the case.
"They can turn up in unexpected places, and it is common for them to lie immobile for long periods of time on beaches, rocks and sometimes people's back yards. Young pups may be left alone for several days while the mother is away feeding, or they may have been weaned altogether. Large seals may just be looking to rest and will often look as though they are unwell when they may just be sunbathing. This is all a natural part of a seal's life cycle."
Connie says it's important to remember that this behaviour, and the physical condition of the seals themselves, is normal.