Wildlife authorities say visitors getting too close to Neil the seal are putting both themselves and the animal at risk.
The 1,000-kilogram southern elephant seal has again drawn large crowds, with more than 1,000 people heading to see him on a recent Sunday.
More than 100 people were on the beach in the state’s south at one time.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania says most people have done the right thing, but some have moved too close for photos and selfies.
Some visitors have carried small children close to Neil to get pictures, while others have left food packages near him.
Kris Carlyon, who runs the department’s wildlife health and marine section, said the behaviour was putting both Neil and the public at risk.
“There is a risk here of essentially loving Neil to death,” Carlyon said.
“We’ve seen examples around the world where large, potentially dangerous animals have had to be euthanised if this risky behaviour by the public results in an unmanageable safety concern.”
“That’s not our preferred management approach, but we need to be honest and acknowledge the fact that that is where this could go if people don’t give him the respect he needs.”
Carlyon said Neil could appear harmless, but he remained a large wild animal.
“He can look cute, cuddly, placid, but he is a large marine predator … so we need to treat him as such,” he said.
He said Neil was not naturally aggressive, but could move quickly and would defend his space if he felt threatened.
“There is always a risk that things can get a little sideways,” he said.
The department could relocate Neil, but Carlyon said sedating and moving him would carry risks for the seal and wildlife staff. He said those risks would increase as Neil grew.
Neil was born in south-east Tasmania in 2020 and now weighs about 1,000 kilograms. He is expected to reach three tonnes.
Authorities are asking people to stay at least 20 metres away from Neil, keep dogs on leads and at least 50 metres back and never touch, feed or approach him.
Visitors are also being urged to look for signs Neil is becoming disturbed, including raising his head, gaping or watching the crowd.
Carlyon said this weekend could be Neil’s last in the area and authorities were planning for more visitors.
“It is unique having a big animal like this close to a major city on a fairly urban beach, we understand that,” he said.
“What we’re asking people to do is, if they do go and see Neil, is to give him the respect he needs, to keep their distance and just adhere to any guidance that department staff or council workers do provide.”
“We’re certainly not saying people have to stay away but we need people to really be sensible about how they do that.”
