Seal visits Hairini

A seal paid a visit to Hairini this morning and had a leisurely swim in the Waimapu estuary. Several locals stopped to watch as it frolicked just off the Hairini Bridge.

The seal is one of many seen in Western Bay of Plenty waters lately. It is common for seals to come ashore between July and October to rest, particularly so for young seal pups which have been weaned and are learning to make their own way in the world.

The Department of Conservation reminds people to avoid getting nearer than 20m from seals and to observe them quietly when they come ashore because they can defend their territory aggressively and their teeth can inflict serious injury

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