A leopard seal has “washed up” on a north-west coast beach, with authorities urging locals to avoid the area if they come across it.
The Tasmania Wildlife Hospital is currently attending to the seal, which is reportedly resting on the beach.
“We understand the curiosity, however, the team on site need space to ensure its safety,” the Central Coast Council said on social media.
“It is now currently being monitored by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service.”
The council earlier described the seal as being “very sick”, later telling locals it was “okay and is just resting”.
“This is common behaviour for this species for this time of year, with juvenile males adventuring away from Antarctica,” they said.
Council staff are in the process of installing signage to warn beachgoers in the area.
