Read the signs and leave seals to nature

by Andr? Hueber
Don't be fooled by their big, sad eyes and baby-like cries: It's seal weaning time.
A surge in the number of calls to the Department of Conservation's hotline has prompted advice on "rescuing" seals which aren't in need of anything other than a spot of rest.
DoC's Bay of Islands marine mammals ranger Elke Reufels said people had been reporting seals that had been on the beach for several days.
"People get confused with whales and think the seals are stranded. Weaning takes place during winter and spring and pups can become disgruntled as they get used to not having milk. Even though they cry, they haven't been abandoned."
She said a seal flapping its flippers in the air when on dry land is not waving for help, it's simply trying to cool down. Similarly seals that appeared to be crying weren't doing so because they were sad or unwell.
"Seals do not have tear ducts but their eyes are often moist from secretions and flies are often attracted to these. This doesn't mean the seal is sick."
Sneezing, coughing and regurgitating were other common seal habits which shouldn't be mistaken as signs a seal is in distress, Ms Reufels said. "It's natural for seal mothers to leave their pups to return to sea to forage, so if you see a pup on its own please do not disturb or move it. The same applies if you see a seal on the beach, it's simply sunbathing."
Ms Reufels said seals were territorial animals and needed to be treated with caution.
"They have large teeth and can become aggressive; they can move surprisingly fast on land and will at times chase people. They can also bite - their jaws are three times stronger than those of the average dog."
She said their bite carried infectious diseases which could be transmitted to other mammals.
"Injuries such as torn flippers and minor gashes are no cause for concern. Unless a seal is being harassed, is entangled in marine debris, severely injured, or is found in an unusual place, seal health management is best left to the expert - nature."