Warning to locals after giant animal climbs out of Aussie river

Amazing pictures show a giant marine mammal venturing onto the banks of a river flowing through one of Australia’s oldest coastal cities. Weighing hundreds of kilograms, the solitary southern elephant seal appears to dwarf passing locals.

While the animal’s presence has delighted tourists and residents since it arrived in the southwest Victorian town of Portland two weeks ago, there are reports that unruly kids, dogs and rubberneckers have been harassing it.

“Yesterday there was a school group, maybe 20 metres from it, and the seal started getting agro. And there was a lady with two dogs, so I yelled at her, and she backed up with her dog,” witness and wildlife advocate Helen Oakley told Yahoo News on Wednesday.

Portland is home to over 10,000 people and a popular tourist destination. While the seal makes regular trips to its shores, authorities have warned anyone visiting the city to stay well away.

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Are elephant seals native to Australia?

Often weighing over 3,000 kilograms and growing almost four metres in length, male adults can pose a danger to humans and their pets. They spend most of their time swimming in sub-Antarctic and Antarctic waters and venture onto land to fight for dominance and mate.

A permanent colony used to occupy the shores of Hobart, but it was wiped out in the 1800s. Today sightings in Australia are rare, although one individual known as Neil the Seal often visits Tasmania.

Neil is perhaps Australia’s best-known elephant seal, and he’s known for attracting huge crowds and creating chaos on the streets of Hobart during his regular visits.

Why naming a seal can be dangerous

The seal filmed this week in Portland has been dubbed Sammy as he's a regular visitor to Portland, but some residents are concerned giving him a human name has created a false impression that the wild animal isn’t a danger. These fears echo those raised in Tasmania about Neil.

“Everyone thinks it's super friendly, but he’s a massive elephant seal. And he's not happy, and he hates dogs,” Oakley said.

How close can I get to a seal?

In Victoria, the public must legally must keep at least 30 metres away from a seal, or 50 metres if they’re walking a dog, because pets can be seen as a threat. That distance shrinks to 5 metres if you’re on a jetty or pier.

Victoria’s Conservation Regulator, which falls under the Department of Environment, confirmed with Yahoo News signage is now in place, and officers will be conducting regular patrols to ensure the seal, the public and their pets are safe.

“The Conservation Regular is reminding the public to keep their distance from an elephant seal resting near the Portland Botanic Gardens and canal," it told Yahoo.

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While there had been some concern raised by locals about the animal's health, the Regulator advised the animal was in good health. "The elephant seal is not sick or injured and is regularly spotted around Portland,” it said.

Later on Wednesday morning reports confirmed the seal had left the Botanic Gardens and was swimming around Portland's busy dockland area.

How much is the fine for feeding a seal?

Anyone in Victoria who spots a seal at a crowded beach, or one that’s entangled in a net or severely injured is advised to keep a distance and call the Marine Response Unit on 1300 245 678 or the Department of Environment on 136 186.

It is illegal to feed marine mammals, including fish scraps, and the offence carries a fine of up to $3,951. Anyone who witnesses people or their dogs venturing too close to seals is advised to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria 1800 333 000.

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