A seal has died after a fight with a dog at Castlecliff Beach on Sunday, and Department of Conservation staff are urging beach visitors to be cautious and keep dogs on a leash.
Conservation partnerships manager Jasmine Hessell says the dog owner reported the incident to DoC. She had tried
to separate the fighting animals and was bitten by the seal.
"The woman was in an area where she was permitted to exercise her dog, but it's timely to remind the public we share the coastline with a variety of wildlife, including protected species."
Seal pups often come ashore between July and October to rest after storms, and when they've been weaned they are learning to make their own way in the world.
"While they might look cute and harmless, seals are wild animals and will defend their territory aggressively. They carry infectious diseases and their teeth can inflict serious injuries," Ms Hessell warned.
