Seals don't need help unless they are severely injured, under threat from people or dogs or entangled, the Department of Conservation is reminding people.
It is common between July and October for seal pups to come ashore to rest, particularly after a storm. Whanganui's Conservation Department (DOC) office has been getting calls about them.
The young seals have been weaned and are learning to make their way in the world. They come ashore to rest before heading back out to sea for food.
"Regurgitating, sneezing and coughing are common seal habits, probably to get rid of undigested food and, as they don't have tear ducts, their weepy eyes are a natural mechanism to protect their eyes", DOC senior biodiversity ranger Dr Rachael Abbott said.
"Seals should be watched and enjoyed quietly from a safe distance. People should keep at least 20 metres away, and not come between seals and the sea. Seals have a nasty bite and carry infectious diseases such as pneumonia, tuberculosis and salmonella that can be transmitted to humans."
It's also important to keep dogs under control and well away from seals. Dogs will stress and potentially harm resting or sick seals and there is also a risk to the dogs, as seals may attack if they perceive a threat.
DOC only intervenes if a seal is seriously injured, being harassed by dogs, tangled in something like net or rope or is in a dangerous place such as on or near a road. In these situations rangers will attend and take action. Otherwise it's survival of the fittest - natural law.
Anyone finding a seal that is severely injured, entangled in marine debris or being harassed by people or dogs should call the DOC HOTline 0800 362 468.