Bennett said fur seals could appear in unusual places, including paddocks, backyards, roadsides and inner-city streets.
“Kekeno are usually found on rocky shores, though their natural curiosity sometimes leads them to explore inland,” he said.
“As we approach winter, young seals will begin to venture further afield, so it’s not uncommon to find them on roads, backyards, or other strange places.”
The advice for anyone encountering a seal was to keep at least 20 metres away, not feed or disturb the animal, avoid getting between seals and the sea, and keep dogs and children away.
“People should enjoy observing them from a distance and only contact DoC if they are in immediate danger, such as being on a road, severely injured, or tangled in debris.”
A woman who lived in the area and did not want to be named said she was “shocked to see a seal so far from the sea”.
DoC and police arrived shortly afterwards, and the seal was guided across the road and back into a nearby creek.
“They said he’d probably have a belly full of eels and should make his way back home.”
The resident said she had lived in the area for about four years and had never seen anything like it before.
“I felt sorry for the poor little fella being so far away from home.”
She said other residents suggested the seal may have been seen in the Taradale area over the past couple of days.
Police confirmed they were notified of the incident about 8.40am on Monday.
