Watch out for seals coming ashore in Gisborne over ‘seal season’

It's that time of year when seals start to arrive on Tairāwhiti beaches, like this one pictured on Wainui Beach, and the Department of Conservation wants the public to watch out for them between now and September. Photo / Rebecca Grunwell

Seal season has started and with it comes the plea for people to keep an eye out for seals on beaches and up waterways, but also to keep clear of them.

The season runs from June to September.

“People may see seals hanging around, resting up or generally just being seals,” a Department of Conservation spokesman said. “DoC’s advice is to give them space.

“Seals often travel way up rivers and have been seen sunbathing around the Tatapouri hill area, even crossing the state highway on their adventures,” he said.

Watch out for seals coming ashore in various parts of the region over the next few months – even upriver like this character chilling at Anzac Park. The Department of Conservation advises people to leave the seals alone and keep their dogs away from them. Photo / Liam Clayton

“They are almost always fine and you don’t need to be concerned.

“With that said, if you spot a fur seal or sea lion on or near a road, or in an unusual inland spot, let us know. Your sightings help us keep the animals safe and will help guide future conservation planning.”

The public can report sightings on the DoC website, or call 0800DOCHOT (0800362468) in an emergency.

Seals can pop up at all sorts of places during "seal season", like this New Zealand fur seal pup at the inner-harbour boat ramp a few years ago. Photo / Paul Rickard

Meanwhile, DoC has received 21 whale stranding reports in Tairāwhiti since the start of the year.

“The busy season for strandings is normally between April and June,” the DoC spokesman said.

“It’s always one of the low points for those of us who love and work with nature.”